This decision, effective for Thursday (16/4) and Friday, is a response to the student protests that have disrupted the institution since Monday. The protests prevented work and classes at the Welkom campus for three days.

University management said the suspension is a strategic measure to safeguard the well-being of both staff and students while protecting infrastructure. While management initially stated they were awaiting a formal memorandum to begin negotiations, student leaders maintained their reasons for the protest were already clear.

“The university remains committed to resolving the situation responsibly and (is) hoping to resume full academic and operational activities at the Welkom campus on Monday (20/4),” said CUT spokesperson Seithati Semenokane

Student grievances were focused on a memorandum of demands regarding living conditions. These include a shortage of accredited housing, the use of unsafe buildings, and requests for allowances to be paid directly to landlords.

Meanwhile, the metalworkers’ union Numsa in the Northern Cape/Free State region has declared its support for the protesting students. It criticised the university’s handling of the crisis, labelling it a failure of administration.

‘The issues … are not merely student grievances; they are fundamental 
questions of human dignity’

“The issues raised … are not merely student grievances; they are fundamental questions of human dignity and the right to education,” said Numsa regional secretary Andile Zitho. He urged management to shift its perspective on the student body.

The union urged university management to stop viewing students as opponents and instead recognise them as the institution’s primary stakeholders. It argued the protest action is a direct consequence of management’s failure to provide a campus that is safe, functional, and equitable.

“We call for an immediate, transparent negotiation process to resolve these conundrums,” said Zitho.

Numsa warned against any victimisation of student leaders or the use of state security to suppress the protests, adding it stood ready to protect the rights of students. “An injury to one is an injury to all,” said Zitho.

OFM News/Refilwe Bekane sm

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