Statement by Dr Roseline Laka-Mathebula Executive Director of Student Affairs, UJ.
An EFF-led demonstration has taken place at the Doornfontein Campus (DFC) of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), this morning (Tuesday 21 July 2015). Approximately 30 students disrupted academic activities.
The EFF UJDFC BRANCH protest actions are not supported by the Student Representative Council (SRC), who are the legitimate body representing the student component of the UJ. The protest action was thus not representative of the majority of the students, but only those of a few radical forces.
The students in question have registered concern, amongst others, about students’ academic exclusion and financial blocks. Students are informed on multiple occasions and in various forums of the rules for their enrollment, one of which is that meeting the required academic progress is non-negotiable.
The University respects the right of students to protest peacefully, as long as academic and administrative activities are not disrupted and the safety of students and staff is not placed in jeopardy. The University has the best interests of its students and staff at heart and unacceptable behaviour such as threats of intimidation and acts of victimisation will not be tolerated at the UJ, disciplinary action will be taken against all who infrindged university rules and policies.
The University’s Management is attending to the situation and firm action will be taken.