Wits scraps curfew

31 October 2016

Cape Town - Wits University has lifted its controversial curfew on students, the institution said on Monday.

"In view of the fact that the University has not experienced any incidents in the last few days, restrictions pertaining to the movement on campus at night have been lifted," a statement said.

"Further, libraries, computer laboratories and learning venues will be open as normal with the appropriate security. The bus services will also be increased beyond 8pm."

Wits instituted a curfew on October 15, which quickly spawned the hashtag #HabibsApartheid during the #FeesMustFall protests.

That evening, after clashes with police on campus, several vehicles were torched in neighbouring Braamfontein and the doors to The Orbit jazz club were smashed.

An SABC vehicle was also torched.

In the subsequent days leading up to the end of last week, a bus was also torched on campus.

Protests started again after Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande announced a staggered fee structure in September.

For students from families with an income of R600 000 there was to be no increase in fees, and those from families who earn more were expected to pay whatever fee increase was decided by their university. Many universities interviewed said that 8% would at least allow them to remain open.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.