Dear colleagues and students,
Disciplinary action and interdicts against certain protesters for criminal action
UCT has seen its share of protest over the last eighteen months. Thousands of students and staff have participated in various protest actions and marches. We have not and will not act against any of those protesters. We have seen difficult and uncomfortable engagements unfold. We have challenged each other and I believe we have grown as an institution.
There is much to do and we will continue to view the demands and pressures on the executive as an indication of a student and staff body that is involved, active on social justice issues and stirring us on to be the best that we can be. This works for the greater good.
A small group of students have however made themselves guilty of unlawful behaviour. Our Constitution states clearly that everyone has a right to lawful protest action. The Constitution and the laws of our country protect and promote the right “peacefully and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions”. Implicit in this right is respect for the protected rights of other people, including the rights to dignity, equality and freedom. Lawful protest does not extend to criminal activities.
On 16 February this year we witnessed the burning of two vehicles, the burning of the property of the university, arson attacks on buildings and vandalism. UCT acted by getting an interim interdict to protect our campus. The court made final the interdict against five people (three of whom are students) and the high court order forbids them from coming onto campus.