Lectures ground to a halt at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Pietermaritzburg campus yesterday as students protested against defective stoves, the lack of washing machines and what they called poorly maintained residences.
They said they bathed in cold water and that there were frequent power cuts at the residences.
"In summary it is pathetic, we are living in a small hell," said Sakhile Zulu, secretary of the ANC Youth League on the campus.
Chaos reigned when the protesters went on the rampage, pulling non-protesting students out of lecture rooms.
The police were called in.
By midday the chaos had subsided and students dispersed.
Before handing over a memorandum to executive director of student services Dr Sibusiso Chalufu, the students had called for his resignation, citing his failure to address the needs of students.
Chalufu assured the students that the university was committed to addressing their grievances.
He called for calm and discipline, saying the campus was not known for violent protests.
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