Press statement from the Management of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) on the current student protest.

Registration resumed promptly and proceeded as planned at DUT today. The university has a well defined academic calendar which cannot afford any further disruptions. Management met with the Student Representative Council (SRC) today to resolve concerns raised by students during earlier protests.
Amongst the unresolved issues were that of student accommodation and fees. On the remaining issue of accommodation, management has offered to increase buses to and from residences to ensure safety of students.

The SRC has also been granted the opportunity to find alternative accommodation that could be used as student residences. Management is also looking for the other alternative accommodation that meets the university’s standards and requirements.

DUT has agreed to restructure the Department of Student Housing after careful consideration of the Labour Relations Act and Labour laws. Management is giving this matter special attention and this process is expected to be concluded at the end of March. We are committed to dealing with students who are experiencing financial difficulties but who are academically successful on a one on one basis. We will make an assessment of each student’s case on an individual basis.