​In an email message to staff Prof Wim de Villiers, Rector and Vice-Chancellor, thanked staff  for your commitment to our institution. "I realise the events of the past few days have taken their toll. Let me assure you that we are doing everything in our power to manage the situation responsibly."

He once again acknowledged students' and staff's right to peaceful protest. "However, the occupation of buildings, the interruption of classes, tests and study sessions, the threats and verbal abuse, and the physical assaults that we have experienced the past few days have been contrary to the values of our institution and completely unacceptable." The University has taken firm steps to remedy the situation:

• A court order was obtained last night (20 September 2016) and served on 30 respondents to vacate the Wilcocks Building. They left of their own accord this afternoon. They are further interdicted from occupying any campus building, disrupting the normal activities of the University; obstructing entrances to buildings or streets; damaging property; and assaulting, intimidating, threatening, harassing, harming or detaining others.
• Due to serious misconduct, 11 students have been suspended pending the outcome of disciplinary processes. They are not allowed to enter SU property for the duration of the suspension. They may appeal their suspension, which will be considered by SU's Central Disciplinary Committee.