The Durban University of Technology (DUT) has shut all of its campuses after alleged fake news saying the institution was allowing walk-in registrations led to protest action on Wednesday.
“Following the risk to health, safety, and security, the university suspended the on-campus support for online registration [on Tuesday] indefinitely. However, normal online registration will continue in the manner it has been all along, but without on-campus support,” DUT spokesperson Alan Khan said.
“Simply, the influx of uninvited people on campus continues to violate the Covid-19 protocols.”
He said the closure came after a large number of people flocked to the campus on Tuesday following the spreading of fake news.
“Yesterday [Tuesday] a large number of people invaded the sports centre on the Steve Biko Campus in Durban. This was after they had reacted to fake social media posts inviting walk-ins to register at DUT. The university did not invite walk-ins to register on campus.”
Khan said that overnight many remained at the sports centre.
“A significant number of people continued to occupy the sports centre and refused the request to leave campus. Over the course of this morning [Wednesday], the situation escalated with protesters milling around outside the Steve Biko campus, hurling stones at buildings, damaging university property, barricading public roads, including several attempts to invade more buildings on campus.”
He said law enforcement had to be called in.
“The university has called on all of the relevant law enforcement agencies to assist in calming this potentially dangerous situation. It has become clear that the situation is tough to contain, and it is being exacerbated with increasing numbers of people trying to force their way onto many other parts of the Durban campuses. This also poses a bigger threat for Covid-19 infections.”
“As a result, all five Durban campuses of the university will be closed until further notice.”
He said that all online university functions and activities would continue.
“This means that online registration for first time entering students with firm offers will proceed as previously announced.”
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Author: News24.com
