There has been a disruption to the start of academic activities at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) over the decision to ensure that students have been registered and properly housed before academic activities could commence.
The decision was made by the SRC, and while some students have welcomed it, some are not really pleased with it. The situation is especially touchy because several students have lost their NSFAS funding and appear stuck even as the day roll by.
Although pressure has been mounted on the SRC to reconsider its decision and let lectures begin even as students continue with their registration and accommodation adventures, the SRC has remained resolute in its decision not to allow lectures to go on without the students fully registered and properly housed.
To those who might be struggling, the institution admonished them to stick to laid-down procedures and seek external assistance for their housing and financial needs.
Given how rigidly the SRC has stuck to its decision and the grumbling that is going on as a result, it would be interesting to see whether the institution would reconsider its decision. If it should, it would be a precedent. South Africans are watching. Stay tuned.
