UP management’s inaction contributes to riots – Solidarity 

21 September 2016

In reaction to the student riots at the University of Pretoria (UP), trade union Solidarity today criticised the university’s management for its failure to take steps against the small minority of students who participate in the protests. 

According to Johan Botha, deputy general secretary of the professional industry at Solidarity, the UP management’s inaction is contributing to the fact that a small group of disruptive elements is threatening the safety of both fellow students and staff members. “The university’s administration has not been able to ensure the safety of staff and students at all during the violent protest actions on campus.”

According to Botha, the trade union is concerned about the safety of its members on campus. “By law, the university is obliged to ensure the safety of our members on campus and therefore the trade union will not hesitate to withdraw its members from the unfavourable workplace should management fail to fulfil this obligation,” Botha said.

Meanwhile the Hatfield-campus of UP has been closed while staff members must stay on the campus in these circumstances

Issued by Johan Botha, Deputy General Secretary: Professional Industry, Solidarity, 21 September 2016