Campus reopens – but no books available

DISRUPTION continues to rule at the University of Zululand (Unizulu) two weeks after violent protests shut down the KwaDlangezwa campus.

Although the institution reopened on Wednesday, learning proved to be difficult for most students since books and study materials were destroyed during the protest action.

‘Protestors burned the bookshop and destroyed everything. Now we don’t have books,’ a group of disgruntled students told the ZO.

‘Not only did we waste two weeks sitting at home, but now that we are back we can’t learn anything.’

Students went on the rampage over unpaid allowances two weeks ago.

The bookshop was set on fire and other materials such as laptops were removed.

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Angry students also vandalised other buildings, torched a police vehicle and stoned a fire brigade crew called to the scene.

Thirty-two students were arrested. Twenty were charged with public violence and twelve charged with burglary.

All cases are still ongoing in the Mtunzini Magistrate’s Court.

On Wednesday, SRC Deputy President Ndumiso Ntshangase said the protest caused a major setback for students and a recovery plan is needed.

‘Even though the situation is now calm, we are concerned about students who don’t have any study materials. Most students don’t own books and rely on the institution’s bookshop.’

Ntshangase also expressed concern over a small group of students who still haven’t received their allowances.

He said students funded by Fundza and National Skills Bursaries are affected.

‘Funds have been approved, but the university has not made any payments to students. Some are still owed money for February and March. Others funded by Fundza are still waiting for last year’s funds,’ he said.

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