Classes begin at TUT
After two weeks of protests and campus closure, classes began yesterday at the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Soshanguve campuses.
First-year students started their academic year yesterday and senior students will start tomorrow.
Security was still tight at the two campuses with metro police keeping an eye on the situation from outside. Tshwane community safety spokesman Console Tleane said: “We would like to warn everyone that we won’t tolerate any disruption to classes. We will continue to maintain a presence.”
The TUT management decided to close the campus at the end of January after student leaders started protesting and burning tyres at the gates, demanding better services. Local student representative council (SRC) members were suspended and political organisations were banned until further notice.
Students were excited to start their classes yesterday.
Thabang Kuaho said being in class gave them hope.
“It was fun going to class because we have not been doing anything for two weeks. I felt very special today and I realised that this is going to be a good learning experience,” said Kuaho.
“We can make up for the two weeks we lost as long as we are disciplined and are prepared to work hard.”
Portia Mvubu said it was great being in class.
“I was really affected by the protests that stopped us from attending class, but today I enjoyed myself,” she said.
Lecturers were also happy to be back.
“I am just glad that everything has been sorted out and we can continue with our jobs,” said one lecturer.
TUT spokesman Gilbert Mokwatedi said: “Because the protests were not at all the campuses, the deans of the affected faculties will… devise catch-up plans.”
Source: IOL
admin @ February 10, 2010