Provincial Spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, says the group is facing charges relating to the contravention of a court order. The students were arrested this morning after the university’s application for a court interdict was granted following protests that ensued on the Bloemfontein campus. The university’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Henk de Jager, earlier told members of the media that some of their students and staff have been victimised and that the CUT is responsible for ensuring the safety of all stakeholders and the university’s property, hence they applied for the court order. 

Protests at the Bloemfontein campus started on Tuesday when students were up in arms over the non-payment of NSFAS allowances. A number of them told the OFM News team they have not yet received money for food and accommodation and had to study on empty stomachs.

De Jager, alongside the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Resources and Operations, Gary Paul, on Thursday during a media briefing, however, highlighted that the university has to date paid approximately R94 million in allowances to help students, despite the institution having only received R64 million from NSFAS at the beginning of the year.

De Jager said they are disappointed by the protests at the Bloemfontein campus as the university management has on several occasions engaged with the SRC regarding issues raised by students. He said the campus security personnel is working closely with the police to restore order and that classes are not suspended.

De Jager has reiterated that they will continue engaging with the SRC and ensuring that not one of their students is academically excluded.

The group of 60 arrested students is expected to appear before the Local Magistrate’s Court soon.

OFM News