Monday, 3 October 2016

To all students and staff

DUT Durban and Midlands Centre

Dear students and colleagues

UPDATE ON STUDENT PROTESTS

I am disappointed to announce that we have had to suspend all lectures and tests today. Despite commencing with the academic programme earlier this morning, protesters disrupted classes and prevented lectures from taking place. We also had disturbances in the library.

Meanwhile, in Pietermaritzburg, a group of protesters were involved in action outside the Indumiso campus.

Unfortunately, the current situation compromises the safety and security of all students and staff. As a result, we have had to take the decision to suspend classes for today. We realise that this stop-start scenario is not ideal. We are also well aware that the exam season is around the corner. I did meet with our SRC this morning and we have made progress with regard to their concerns. We will issue another update this evening.

Following the misinformation that was spread this past weekend, we will now only be posting updates and official DUT statements on our website. We will email alert messages to you whenever a new statement is published on www.dut.ac.za so that you can view the latest communique. Therefore, the only place where you should see official DUT statements will be on the DUT website.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Prof Theo Andrew

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Operations (Acting)