/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) has suspended academic activities at the Tompi Seleka College of Agriculture with immediate effect.

This follows protests and disruptions in a strike which is in its third week at the College. Classes were halted after students submitted several demands to the management, most of which revolved around the maintenance at the institution.

College management and the Department held several meetings with the students
wherein progress was presented in relation to the issues raised. However, students continuously embarked on violent protests whereby they barricaded roads leading to the institution and intimidated members of the staff and students not supporting disruptions at the College.  

The situation escalated daily as were the list of their demands. Several cases of malicious damage to property and intimidation have been opened with the police against the students. Matters went out of hand this week when students forcefully removed lecturers from their offices and barricaded the entrance of the institution, leading to confrontations among both students and the members of the staff.  This resulted in the arrests of three student leaders. Students have also displayed continued disregard for the Student Representative Council (SRC) furthering tensions at the College.

The Head of the Department, Ms Jacqueline Maisela, visited the College on Wednesday to assess the situation and also give the progress report in relation to the issues raised by the students. The students resolved to continue with the strike despite the commitment by the Department. In the interest of the safety of the property, the personnel, students opposing violence and livestock at the College, the LDARD was forced to suspend the academic programme.

Issued by Limpopo Agriculture and Rural Development