Vaal University of Technology reopens campus

The Vaal University of Technology will reopen its campus for all students on Wednesday.

The university had closed the campus last week, due to protests over a shortfall in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.

According to the university the protests had turned violent, with destruction of university property and widespread intimidation of staff and non-protesting students.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) had alleged that the evictions were enforced by the university's security company  Mafoko Security, as well as members of the police dog unit.

"During the forceful eviction, an EFF student leader was wrongfully arrested after trying to protect fellow students from a gun-toting security guard who was threatening to shoot at students," said EFF Gauteng spokeswoman Mandisa Mashego said.

"Another student is in hospital with serious injuries and scores others have suffered general injuries."

The university denied this, stating that police were not involved in the evictions.

University spokesman Mike Khuboni said, "There were students who refused to vacate and the security had to go from room to room to tell them to leave as the residences were going to be locked up".

Now that the students are allowed back on campus, the university has pledged to continue to "engage the student leadership on the issues that have led to the protest action".

"Thus far, management has contributed 50% of the NSFAS shortfall for food allocation and other options are being considered to find long term and sustainable solutions to the funding crisis," the university said.