Police van torched during student protests at University of Venda
The University of Venda says all academic activities have resumed following earlier violent protests by students.
Protests erupted on Monday, with students demanding National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) allowances, as well as WiFi and water supply at student accommodations.
"I should indicate that the overwhelming majority of issues that are contained in the memorandum (handed over by students) have already been dealt with," said the university’s spokesperson Dr Takalani Dzaga.
"The other issues about the Nsfas is the introduction of direct payment which most of the institutions are not happy with. Some of these issues can better be responded to by Nsfas but where possible we are engaging with Nsfas on behalf of our students.”
The protesting students damaged a police nyala on Wednesday, while a police van was also allegedly petrol bombed.
In some of videos clips circulating on social media, students can be seen throwing stones at police vehicles and destroying traffic lights.
Dzaga says the demonstrations took place outside the university’s premises.
"At this stage we cannot provide accurate information about the extend of the damage, but as the university management is worth indicating that we condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms.
"We have made commitment that as the institution we are going to work very closely with the law enforcement agencies to ensure that all the instigators or perpetrators are brought to book."
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