Student protest at UWC
|Published
UNREST: Students protest over hikes in accommodation fees UNREST: Students protest over hikes in accommodation fees
Students at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in Bellville have staged a protest action since last week over unhappiness with their accommodation in Belhar.
All university entrances, on Robert Sobukwe Drive and the two on Symphony Way, were obstructed by groups of students since early last week.
According to the students, in the new year, there might be no room for them at South Point, a privately-owned student accommodation in Belhar.
On Monday morning there was another attempt to disrupt classes at the university.
From what students say, South Point’s owners were pushing up the rental and “making it impossible” and expensive for the students to continue to live there.
But they are holding the university responsible.
UWC Communications Manager, Gasant Abarder, yesterday said the university has not been shut down and they are in talks with South Point to try and resolve the issue.
“On Monday morning, a small group of students blocked the Robert Sobukwe Road and Symphony Way entrances for a brief period,” Abarder says.
“However, the entrances were reopened and the academic programme continued on campus.
“The management of UWC is committed to resolving concerns about accommodation at the South Point private residence.
“The management has been in constant communication with student leadership about the situation and any new developments.
“There certainly hasn’t been any other reason cited for the unhappiness among students.”