PROTESTING continued at the University of Pretoria (UP) on Monday, 26 February as workers' demands were not met.
The United Progressive Workers of Nehawu and students have condemned the irresponsible behaviour by the police in using force without warning, while leaders were attempting to progressively engage them.
The United Progressive Workers of Nehawu and students called on all workers and students to join the picketing lines.
Tlou Matuba, Nehawu chairman at the University of Pretoria, said their member was arrested. "We must meet with students regularly to hear each other's issues. We must support each other," he said.
He said students' struggles are workers' struggles.
Lungelo Mageba, chairman of South African Students Congress at UP said: "Your struggles as workers is long over due. We have suffocated, tolerated and being patient enough. Students are not registered and don't have res. Last year, students were sleeping at a library. No one from the management brought a solution."
According to the protesters, the employer continues to offer 4% increase, while the workers continue to demand 7% increase. The workers also demand a 13th cheque, once of bonus, five days leave encashment and long service cash at 10, 15 and 20 years.
They said student registration fees increased by 100% over the past two years. They also alleged that students who were bystanders during the strike were shot at by the police.
University of Pretoria spokesman, Rikus Delport said a group of striking workers unlawfully disrupted university operations at the Hatfield campus.
Despite efforts to engage with the striking staff and request compliance with picketing rules, the situation escalated, resulting in the intervention of the SAPS.
"Regrettably, the police had to disperse the striking workers, who caused damage to property and intimidated students and staff. The safety of our students and staff is our utmost priority. We are deeply concerned by the events that transpired and are working diligently to address the situation.
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"We are collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to prevent any further disruptions and to ensure the safety and security of everyone on campus. We want to reassure our students, parents and the broader community that we are taking all necessary measures to safeguard our campus environment. While contact classes have been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns, online classes continue to ensure minimal disruption to students' education," said Delport.
Gauteng police spokeswoman, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said: "On Monday, 26 February at about 11am, Public Order Policing responded to a strike situation at the institution. The protesters reportedly started disrupting classes and the police used rubber bullets and stun granades to disperse them. One person was arrested for public violence. No injuries have been reported. The POP will continue to monitor the situation that is currently calm."
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