Rhodes SRC calls for boycott ‘whilst our fellow students are in jail’

Rhodes University’s student representative council (SRC) called for a boycott of academic activities on Thursday‚ a day after what it described as “unprovoked acts of police brutality”.

Police fired rubber bullets and threw stun grenades at protesting students‚ and the chaos on the Grahamstown campus resulted in 12 students being arrested and four being hospitalised.

“In light of these events‚ the SRC is calling for a mass stay-away of students by encouraging students to boycott lectures‚ tutorials‚ practicals and seminars‚” the SRC said.

“This call for a mass stay-away is in recognition that it is unacceptable that the university has called for business as usual whilst our fellow students are in jail and in hospital.

“We appeal to all students to show support and solidarity with our fellow students.”

The student body also expressed its “extreme disapproval” at management’s “indifferent attitude” towards the police action.

It also called for donations to cover the legal fees of the arrested students. On Wednesday‚ it said R30 000 was needed to cover the costs.

– TMG Digital