Wits students continue protest, disrupt classes

Wits University in South Africa has been at the center of a tumultuous situation as students continue to protest and call for free education. The university has been struggling to resume normal activities, with disruptions and violence hindering the academic program. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tawana Kupe, provided an update on the current situation in an interview with CNBC Africa. Professor Kupe revealed that while some campuses were able to start lectures, the main campus faced challenges as a group of students disrupted classes and engaged in protests. The situation escalated when the police intervened, leading to the use of tear gas and stun grenades. Several students were arrested during the protests, causing further disruptions to the academic schedule. Despite the challenges faced on the main campus, other locations such as the business school, education campus, and medical school were able to continue with their programs. Professor Kupe highlighted the importance of maintaining academic operations to ensure that students can complete their degrees and progress in their academic journey. When questioned about the handling of fees for the upcoming year, Professor Kupe explained the typical process followed by the university. Consultations with student leaders and stakeholders usually begin around May or June to determine the appropriate fee structure. However, due to the recent disruptions in classes, the fee deliberations have been delayed. The university will now activate the process to set fees within the recommended 8 percent increase limit set by the government. The ongoing protests at Wits University signify the deep-rooted issues surrounding access to education and financial constraints faced by students. The university is navigating a delicate balance between addressing student demands for free education and ensuring the continuity of academic activities. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments and seeking resolutions to the underlying challenges.