Update on protest: Resolution reached
26 October 2015
Message from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Habib, on behalf of the Senior Executive Team
The University of the Witwatersrand and the Students' Representative Council have reached resolution on a series of proposals put forward today. Read management's proposal and the SRC's statement.
In light of this, the academic programme and all University activities will commence on Wednesday, 28 October 2015.
We have agreed to postpone the examinations and a new examination timetable will be shared with students before the end of the week.
We recognise the achievement of the student movement to place on the national agenda the issue of affordable, quality higher education.
We sincerely apologise to all staff, students, parents and all those affected by the recent protests. We thank you for your patience during this trying time.
Update:
Wits re-opens on Wednesday, 28 October 2015
27 October 2015
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM, 27 OCTOBER 2015
Following the resolution that was reached between Wits University Management and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) yesterday (read Management’s proposal and the SRC’s statement), the University will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, 28 October 2015. Lectures will take place and lecture venues will be arranged as per the normal Wednesday schedule.
We expect all members of the University community to respect this resolution and to act within the rules of the institution. If any member of the University community experiences any difficulty in entering or leaving our campuses, or if any other disruption to the academic programme and normal operations of the University occurs, the following security measures will be in place:
- Campus Control will be stationed at all entrances to ensure access and egress
- Campus Control will also ensure that lecture venues and other operational spaces remain safe and secure
We urge all staff and students to do everything possible to fulfil the obligation of every one of us to get the academic programme back on track. We cannot afford for 32 500 students to lose the academic year. This will only serve to further entrench the inequality within our society. The University has agreed to address all outstanding concerns with the student leadership and will be engaging with them in this regard.
We remain committed to finalising the examination timetable by the end of the week.
The past few days have been trying for all, and we appreciate your assistance in reaching this point of reopening. We look forward to your continued support in getting the academic programme back on track and enabling our students to write their examinations.
Issued by Wits University, 26 to 27 October 2015
