2010-03-24 21:06
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Durban - Protests at the Durban University of Technology and the upcoming FIFA World Cup may lead to a decline in year-end academic standards, the Democratic Alliance said on Wednesday.
"Yesterday's (Tuesday) early closure of the university and the distraction that the forthcoming world cup tournament will bring, may lead to a sharp decline in year-end academic standards," said DA's provincial education spokesperson Tom Stokes said in a statement.
"Aside from the impact that the closure of the DUT will have on timetables, this latest rampage will severely affect learners' ability to focus on their studies," he said.
Stokes said there was always a solution to a problem, without having to resort to violence.
"The aggressive stance adopted by certain DUT students is at odds with what one expects from learners at an institution of higher education, where rational thinking is promoted."
On Tuesday the university management closed the campus after violent protests erupted. Police fired rubber bullets as students were stoning police cars and vandalising the campus.
The institution will be re-opened on April 6.
A task team was set up by the Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande to investigate problems facing the institution.
- SAPA
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