Kameel Premhid, Democratic Alliance Students' Organisation Chairman at UKZN Howard College reacts to the strikes which have been plaguing the University over the past week.
Much like the South African labour market, UKZN has experienced its traditional strike season. Worryingly, this strike has also become characterised by a disregard for due process and student rights.
Unlike previous strikes, the strikes which occurred at the Westville campus were condemned by the Central SRC and University Management. In a communique sent to the University Community by the Central SRC dated February 13th 2012, the Central SRC states: "With that being said, we call upon all mass actions across all UKZN campuses to be terminated with immediate effect and student leadership is urged to go back to the discussion table to find solutions in order to make sure that students are not further compromised."
Yet, throughout the week following this instruction, SASCO continued with its illegal protest at Westville campus. The University was forced to obtain a High Court interdict the following day (February 14th 2012) interdicting students from protesting. Despite this being granted, SASCO continued its violent protest and lectures were suspended February 14th and 15th 2012.
After arrests were made and the University managed to gain some control of the situation, with the assistance of the South African Police Force, lectures recommenced on February 16th 2012. Whilst by the end of the week all seems quiet, there are several questions which need to be addressed.
1. Will the University hold its nerve and ensure that the law runs its course?