Walter Sisulu University has been shut down by the Institutional Student Representative Council (ISRC) after ongoing student protests.
WSU’s management have continued to engage with the ISRC, however, student protests have not ceased.
According to a statement issued by Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Rushiella Songca, they now find themselves at an impasse that sees the 2021 academic year under threat, including their staff and university property that stand at risk due to continued student protest action.
“Our situation as one of the Eastern Cape’s primary vehicles for higher education provision is further challenged by the results of the COVID-19 pandemic that which we’ve kept in mind during our tireless engagements with student representatives.
She further said while they have attended most student demands, management could not disregard rules and processes issued by the State and state funders.
Things are getting worse at Walter Sisulu University eMtata ???????? pic.twitter.com/HgeQikyKMY
— uBomiBam?? (@Havana_Bloom) April 19, 2021
In this regard, the Institutional Management Committee is unable to concede on the following student demands and considers its position non-negotiable:
- The demand for mass public graduation cannot be entertained under current COVD-19 regulations. The University would not place itself in a position where it flagrantly disregards government regulations and therein threatens lives on the edge of a third wave. However, we have presented the Institutional SRC with a hybrid model for graduation, to which they have expressed discomfort.
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Payment for second-hand laptops: the University is not in a financial situation to re-purchase laptops it issued to students in 2020 under arrangements made in that regard. It is a simple matter of economics – the University cannot afford to purchase second-hand goods and has no internal policy framework to regulate the same. If our hands are forced in this regard, other services will be affected, and we will be unable to extend our support to other crucial student support initiatives. We reiterate that we are a multi-modal institution and all students require a digital device to participate meaningfully in their teaching and learning.
Also WSU has the same problems #VUTmustfallpic.twitter.com/UkZMQIs7Dq
— IG:@simmliti (@MlitSim) April 19, 2021
“In light of the events taking place on our campuses, the University has no other choice but to close the University forthwith until further notice. We remain open to engage with student leadership and apologise to those members of our community who do not support the student protest action. We remain committed to ensuring quality education for all.”
Songca confirmed that during this period, the University would continue with its academic project online using a multi-modal approach for which they are geared. Those staff members who have the tools of the trade could continue to work from home.
“Management condemns the damage to public and university property and the attacks on its staff members.”
The President for School Representetive Council (SRC), Litha Ngalonkulu also confirmed that the Institution has been shut down.
