Students protested at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Friday. It is no secret that South African universities suffer financially and academically every year, according to acting vice-chancellor Professor Sue Harrison.
Throughout the day, protests escalated and two people were arrested, according to Harrison’s letter to UCT staff and students.
“All enrolled students must be able to begin the academic year on schedule and finish their studies without being interrupted or suffering the effects of unlawful protest. Many UCT students and their families have sacrificed a lot to get this education and have access to it,” said the acting VC in a statement.
Students demanded that Harrison leave and shouted, “Sue must fall” at a mass meeting with heavy police presence.
The representative student council (SRC) and the university’s leadership have been at odds over a suggestion made during a council meeting last Monday night for the university to “remove” fee barriers as a general concession.
It has now been a week since the protest began.