Lectures suspended as violent protests erupt again at UKZN

The academic programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has been suspended with immediate effect. 

In a statement to media on Thursday, UKZN's acting executive director of corporate relations, Normah Zondo, said the suspension follows violent student protests on university campuses earlier in the day.

"The suspension will allow management space to engage with student leaders and to ensure safety and security of our staff and property."

Protests once again erupted at embattled UKZN on Thursday, with students at one campus stoning cars.

SRC president Sanele Hlongwa told TimesLIVE that the protests had extended to several of the institution's campuses, including Howard College, Pietermaritzburg, Edgewood and Westville.

At the Edgewood campus vehicles are being stoned. 

"I can confirm that cars have been stoned. As the student leadership we strongly condemn this. We don't support the damage of property," said Hlongwa.

He said the protest action had flared up again, over issues relating to National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding for post-graduate students, security issues for those living off-campus and admission challenges.