Classes on track at Wits

11 October 2016 - Wits University

Update from the Senior Executive Team (10:00):

Thank you to everyone who has reported for class this morning. The University is committed to completing the 2016 academic year and to ensuring that all students write examinations. 

Daily Update 

Classes resumed this morning and as at 10:00 all academic activities are on track. A group of students tried to close the entrance to the Wits Management Campus today and they dispersed when security and the police intervened. The police have followed them and are currently managing the situation. One student has been arrested. 

A group of about six students tried to disrupt a lecture on the Wits Education Campus but security stepped in and they ran away. We are doing our level best to ensure that lectures continue without disruption today. We also request staff and students to stay away from areas of conflict for their own safety.

Counselling services available 

We are very concerned about the level of trauma and stress experienced by students and staff given the incidents that have occurred in recent days. The Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) is providing counselling support for students and staff who may need trauma debriefing or counselling. They are welcome to visit the CCDU on West Campus or Education Campus for individual or group counselling or debriefing. Staff can call 011 717 9140/32 or 072 486 9780 and a counsellor will call you back. Visit the CCDU webpage that focuses on trauma and related important information. Read more at www.wits.ac.za/ccdu and scroll down the page. 

Engagement 

We reiterate that we have met with student leaders from official University structures privately. We are open to engaging with students from all societies and mediators to try to find a negotiated settlement. The Dean of Students invited 20 student representatives to meet with management, but the students did not take the offer. We are also open to an imbizo provided that it doesn’t fall into teaching time, it is facilitated independently, that it allows for a two-way conversation and is planned in advance.  We have written to the Students’ Representative Council. 

We are happy to address all internal issues as described earlier but it is beyond our control to give students free education now. 

Wits’ Pledge 

Wits has pledged its support for the goal of free, fully funded, quality, decolonised higher education. We pledge to approach government with a united voice for the realisation of this goal. We pledge to deploy our intellectual resources towards finding the best solutions. We are also prepared to support peaceful advocacy activities in this regard. Read the full pledge.

Update:

Lectures continued today

11 October 2016 - Wits University

Update from the Senior Executive Team (13:30):

The majority of lectures took place this morning, albeit with a low turnout – we thank all students and staff who attended classes today. We will share figures later today. 

Groups of students remain on the piazza and outside the Wartenweiler Library and police are trying to disperse them using stun grenades and water cannons. The police are managing the situation on the ground. 

For your own safety, staff and students are encouraged not to congregate near possible conflict areas.

Update:

Academic programme will continue on Wednesday

11 October 2016 - Wits University

Update from the Senior Executive Team (17:00):

The majority of Wits’ academic programmes went ahead, across all campuses today. Wits remains open on Wednesday, 12 October 2016. 

Incidents

Students were stoning cars outside the Wits Management Campus this morning and they tried to block the entrance with rocks. The police acted and one person was apprehended. 

A group of students who tried to disrupt lectures on the Wits Education Campus were escorted off the campus by security. 

Windows were smashed at the John Moffat Building, the Wartenweiler Library and the Matrix Student Centre. Students broke the amphitheatre steps and walls of the building and some of them threw it at security officials. 

Confrontations between police and students took place outside the Wartenweiler Library and the Great Hall during the lunch hour. The police used water cannons, stun guns, rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the crowd of a few hundred people. 

A suspicious parcel was also found this afternoon in the FNB Building and all students and staff were evacuated. Police with sniffer dogs were called to the scene and they determined that it was a firecracker. The building has been cleared for use and has been reopened. We are reviewing camera footage to try to track down the person who left the package in the building. 

Engagement

The University continues to reach out to students and student leaders in order to find a way forward. We are also in ongoing discussions with mediators. 

We apologise to all students and staff who are affected by these events. We thank you for your commitment and loyalty to the University during these difficult times.

We would like this cycle of violence to stop immediately  so that the community is not exposed to ongoing trauma. It is possible and in all our hands to restore normalcy, to complete the academic programme and to advocate for free, quality, fully funded, decolonised higher education.

Issued by Wits University, 11 October 2016