The Walter Sisulu University Student Representative Council (SRC) has taken urgent legal steps to stop the eviction of students from university residences. This follows the institution’s decision to temporarily close the Nelson Mandela Drive and Zamukulungisa Heights campuses in response to ongoing student unrest.
The recent violence at the Nelson Mandela Drive campus resulted in the tragic death of one person and injuries to several others.
SRC President Balungile Madikizela says the closure could severely affect students’ academic progress.
Speaking on the decision to approach the court, Madikizela says, “Worried that there may be an all-time low academic performance, we then decided to protect our constituency’s right. After reaching this decision, we did indeed contact our legal team to assist us. They then submitted an urgent court interdict to the judge.”
He further confirms that the matter is now being heard in court, “The judge has since communicated back to us to say that today at 6 pm, they are willing to listen to us. There will be a court sitting. However, until the resolutions of that court sitting are communicated, they do not expect the university or their deployed security personnel to forcefully evict any students from campus.”
The SRC remains hopeful that the court will rule in their favor and prevent any further disruptions to students’ rights and academic activities.
