University of Pretoria closes Groenkloof and Hatfield campuses after student clashes

19 February 2016 - 12:19 By Lizeka Tandwa
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The University of Pretoria (UP) has suspended all its academic programmes at Groenkloof and Hatfield campuses for the day after scuffles broke out on Thursday over its language policy, UP spokesperson Anna-Retha Bouwer said.

The institution also obtained a court interdict against AfriForum Youth and the EFF Student Command (EFFSC).

“The situation was monitored overnight because there were threats of interruption. A decision was made to close the two campuses.

“This decision was made to secure the safety of students and also to allow time for consultation with student leaders. We decided to obtain a court interdict at midnight on Thursday,” Bouwer told News24.

Bouwer said AfriForum Youth and the EFF Student Command are fighting against each other.

On Thursday, AfriForum Youth allegedly interrupted preparations for a meeting between the university, the Progressive Youth Alliance (PYA), and the EFF Student Command (EFFSC).

ANC Youth League Secretary at UP, Samkele Cetyiwe, said the group derailed plans for the meeting.

“We were going to debate language policy. AfriForum managed to get into the meeting and disrupted proceedings. One thing led to another and a black student was hit by a white student,” he claimed.

Bouwer said the court interdict prevents students from disrupting classes, using hate speech and any unlawful action.

Source: News24

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