Groups of protesters convened on the Stellenbosch Campus (about 70 in total) today. Information available to the University is that most members of the group were not from Stellenbosch University (SU), but from other universities in the Western Cape.

Just before the start of the afternoon exams, the group moved towards the Education Building (GG Cillie) and tried to gain access to the building. They were denied entry by the Public Order Police and security personnel.

A handful of SU students who were to write exams in the building were not able to access the building before it had to be locked. No further disruptions took place this afternoon.

The group remained in front of the building for most of the afternoon and later moved to the “Kruiskerk” on the corner of Victoria and Ryneveld streets. The group dispersed early evening.

Management is still firmly committed to completing the academic year. Contingency plans and security measures will remain in place for the duration of the exams and the situation on campus is closely monitored. A large number of security staff have been deployed on campus.

Students who cannot enter an exam venue due to protest action, are requested to stay near the venue and call tel 021 808 2333 for assistance and alternative arrangements.

The University this afternoon made counsellors available to students who felt they were traumatised by the events. The University’s Crisis Service can be reached at 0825570880 and regular updates on the situation at the University is published on its website (link to updates page).

Fire in “annex” to the “Kweekskool”

This afternoon the University was informed of a fire in a non-SU, freestanding building next to the “Kweekskool” (Faculty of Theology”).  The emergency services were contacted and the fire was extinguished. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed and no-one has been injured in the incident.