Spokesperson for the university Lacea Loader, says the disruptions seem to be linked to a mass meeting called by the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) regarding issues associated with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). 

This, as a video currently making rounds on social media indicating a group of students gathered in front of the Admin Building attacking a man, alleged to be the Director of Financial Aid, has students and members of the public wondering whether exams will run smoothly. 

Loader further confirms that a senior staff member suffered what seems to be an assault at the hands of some protesting students. She says this event together with allegations of physical intimidation of students during the course of disruptions, are the subject of urgent investigation and that she can assure the public that all academic and administrative activities on the Bloemfontein Campus are continuing as normal as of today.

“The demands raised at the mass meeting and during ensuing negotiations with students relate to the immediate payment of NSFAS allowances by the university. The university agreed with the Student Representative Council of the Bloemfontein Campus earlier this year that the NSFAS allowances will be paid to students during the first week of each month. Yesterday, students demanded immediate payment of allowances meant for the first week of June 2019. The May 2019 allowances were already paid during the first week of May. The university management will endeavour to engage with students to resolve further outstanding issues regarding NSFAS” said Loader.

She adds that the executive management at the university is committed to engage with students on issues of legitimate concern and continues to respect their right to protest, while ensuring stability on campus.  

The university’s Protection Services is said to be monitoring the situation on campus closely.

Meanwhile, the AfriForum Youth said the disruption is a matter of great concern and confirms that it has laid charges against the EFF Student Command at the University.

AfriForum Youth’s National Coordinator for Tertiary Institutions, Chantelle du Preez, told OFM News that they cannot allow situations where classes and tests are disrupted by demonstrators and students as well as staff assaulted by the demonstrators.

“AfriForum Youth directed an urgent letter to Pura Mgolombane, Dean of Student Affairs, in which we ask that he takes immediate action against the demonstrators to ensure that the safety of other students and their right to education are not violated,” said du Preez,

OFM News