Update on student protest – 16 October
16 October 2015
Students continue to protest at Wits today.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Habib tried to address students since 09:00 today but was not afforded the opportunity. He also tried engaging with the current student leadership, but given the diverse demands of the various groups, it has been difficult to take the process forward.
Some political student societies also tried to hijack the protest to raise their own issues.
Nevertheless, Wits has committed to continue to engage with the students and Habib is currently sitting amongst students on the Senate House Ground Floor to try to understand all their grievances.
He does not have the authority to overturn the Council’s decision on the 10.5% increase for 2016, but has requested that the Council Executive meet to discuss this matter.
The protests remain generally peaceful. We will keep you updated on developments as the day unfolds. University activities were suspended on most campuses today so staff and non-protesting students were not affected.
Wits Council Exco and students sign agreement
17 October 2015
Agree on process to be followed to determine student fee increases for 2016
Following an intense and protracted engagement between protesting students and members of the Executive Committee of Council, it was agreed that:
1. The University will suspend the decision on all fee increments made for 2016. There will be no fee increments until negotiations reach an agreement.
2. The negotiations pertaining to fee increments will resume anew.
3. In the eventuality of negotiations breaking down, the University will not revert to its initial decision.
4. A new framework for negotiations will be jointly agreed upon in which any final decision of Council on this matter will be ratified to a University Assembly.
5. There will be no disciplinary action taken against students or workers who participated in the protest, and no worker will face dismissal as a result of their participation in the protest.
6. The Exco of Council will advance the position of the students for a no fee increase at Council.
The University will officially be closed on Monday, 19 October 2015, to allow Council to report to a University Assembly. This includes the suspension of all University activities including lectures, examinations, assessments, practicals, etc and will affect all students and staff on all campuses including the Medical School and affiliated hospitals.
The agreement was signed by the Chairperson of the Wits Council, Dr Randall Carolissen and Ms Shaeera Kalla, the outgoing SRC President.
A full Council meeting will be called tomorrow, Sunday, 18 October 2015 to deliberate on these matters. Council will report to students at noon on Monday, 19 October 2015.
University closed Monday, 19 October 2015
18 October 2015
Dear Colleagues and Students
As part of the agreement signed between the Exco of Council and student representatives on Saturday, 17 October 2015, the University will officially be closed on Monday, 19 October 2015. Council will report to students on the issue of fees following a meeting held to today. You will be kept updated.
Statements issued by Wits University, 16 to 18 2015
