Durban - Classes at the Durban University of Technology were suspended on Wednesday because of vandalism on the campus, said vice chancellor Ahmed Bawa.
"Due to the difficulties we have experienced during the course of this morning [Wednesday], vandalism and fears for the safety of staff and students, we have now decided to suspend academic classes with immediate effect," Bawa said in a statement.
The suspension applied to all campuses. University staff were expected to be at work during the suspension.
"The academic programme will resume on Monday next week," said Bawa.
Since the beginning of the semester, students have demanded financial aid towards the BTech degree, which is not allowed by the department of higher education and training and the National Students' Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
"It should be made clear that this is not an issue that can be addressed by the university. It is a national policy taken between the department of higher education and training and NSFAS," said Bawa.
The university was continuing to engage the department and NSFAS on the matter.
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Safety-first-as-DUT-suspends-classes-20110209
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