National
Wits Poll: The students have spoken─── 15:52 Fri, 30 Sep 2016
Johannesburg – The University of Witwatersrand on Thursday conducted a poll asking students and staff if they wanted to continue with classes on Monday - and the results released on Friday might surprise some people.
The question that was asked during the poll related to whether they wanted the academic programme to proceed on Monday should appropriate security be in place. Out of 21 730 people that voted, 77% voted yes.
A total number of 16 739 students are in favour of proceeding with their regular programme, with only 4 991 (23%) preferring that the university remain closed.
One of the leading firms in the country, SizweNtsalubaGobodo, audited the poll and provided the interim results.
The university was still waiting for the auditors to verify the staff poll. These results would be made available as they come through.
Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel said in a statement that the results of the poll - as well as feedback from parents, alumni and other stakeholders - would play a part in the decision that university management would make.
"Management will also reach out to the student leadership, unions and other stakeholders to engage on a way forward," Patel said.
The university said it would communicate over the weekend whether classes would resume next week.
