Students at the University of Technology are today expected to return to lectures, following three weeks of disruptions. 

The academic programme at all five Durban University of Technology (DUT) campuses is expected to resume on Monday, after management and the student representative council (SRC) reached common ground following protests.

Management suspended classes at DUT earlier this month after  clashes between protesters  and private security led to the death of 21-year-old student Mlungisi Madonsela  at one of the campuses.

DUT Vice chancellor, Thandwa Mthembu says management and students leaders have finally reached an agreement. He says he is confident the academic programme will resume without a hitch.

The institution has also secured a court barring students and organisations from protesting and damaging property on campus. 

According to News24, in a joint statement by university management and SRC, it is stated that classes at all DUT campuses will resume next week, provided that students who are currently appealing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and who are staying in the Baltimore residence, are moved until the outcome of their appeal.

According to the statement, there are 232 students awaiting a decision on NSFAS funding.

New24 also reported that “Management agreed to this condition, subject to Student Housing Department confirming that the spaces still exist,” the joint statement read.

Additionally, students whose appeals are unsuccessful will be given 48 hours to vacate the residences.

“Further, the meeting agreed that students who are waiting for their appeal decisions should be allowed to attend classes until their cases are finalised or on 15 March 2019 – whichever comes first.”