Durban University of Technology classes have resumed despite threats of a continued shutdown.
|||Durban - Classes resumed on Monday with little incident at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses after last week’s violent protests.
Despite students returning to class, there had been threats of a continued shutdown on Monday being circulated on social media.
These were not backed by students because only a small group of about 20 gathered in Steve Biko Road outside the Steve Biko campus, before being quickly dispersed by the police.
At the University of KwaZulu-Natal, there were unconfirmed reports of disruptions to some classes at the Westville campus.
Police spokeswoman, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele, said police were monitoring universities closely and that the situation remained calm as of this morning.
At DUT, acting deputy vice-chancellor for operations, Professor Theo Andrew, warned students and parents against a fake document that said this academic year had been closed.
“A fake and falsified document has been circulated online by criminals who want to create chaos and spread rumours and propaganda within the DUT.
“The writer/s of this fake letter, which is dated 1 October 2016, have illegally used the name of Dr John Volmink, whose term as DUT interim vice-chancellor and principal expired on Friday, 30 September 2016, in the hope of convincing you that the letter is truthful,” he said.
Andrew said classes were resuming and said the university was not forcing students out of residences as purported.
“Students, please note that the writer/s of this counterfeit letter do not have your best interests at heart. Their only intention is to further compromise your education,” said Andrew.
Daily News