The management of Sol Plaatje University says it has reached an agreement with the Student Representative Council (SRC) following protests that led to the suspension of registration and orientation.
The students started their protest action from Tuesday, demanding that their concerns over food and accommodation be addressed.
Although the university says it supports the right to peaceful protest, it condemns all forms of violence and the destruction of university property.
After a meeting with the SRC on Wednesday, the university said it has secured an additional 150 beds that will be available for returning students, starting February 18.
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The university will also assist funded students by negotiating with their landlords about late payment of their first rent.
The university advises first-year students who arrive on campus after 4 p.m. to notify the Residence Office before arriving late.
Catering
Registered residence students who wish to access the dining hall must approve their meal forty-eight (48) hours prior to using the Meal Management System, the university said.
“Students living in Accredited Off-Campus Accommodation who wish to access the dining hall to eat must visit the Residence Office to have their name added to the Meal Management System (operated by the Facilities and Services Department). The student will access meals using a student card in the dining hall. If a student loses their student card, they must visit Campus Security to obtain a new student card.
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If a student misses a meal they have ordered, they will still be charged for the meal.
“The university will ensure that the caterer adheres to the agreement regarding the portion and quality of the food provided to the students.”
funding
NSFAS-funded returning students will receive study material allowances from Monday, February 20, 2023, it said.
Students logging in for the first time must ensure that their banking details are uploaded to the system.
Academic exclusion
Students applying for an academic exemption with a deadline of January 23, 2023, will receive a response on Friday.
“Late appeals up to and including February 10, 2023 will receive a response during the week of February 27, 2023. No appeals received after February 10, 2023 will be considered for the 2023 academic year.”
Motsepe Foundation donates to Sol Plaatje University
On Thursday, Sol Plaatje University announced that the Motsepe Foundation had donated R1 million to the university’s SRC.
“The Motsepe Foundation has for many years supported more than 2 500 students from low-income households in South Africa with full scholarships that include tuition, textbooks, necessary technology, and psychosocial support. The foundation supports students from their first year of study to graduated,” explained the university.
Sol Plaatje University Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Andrew Crouch commended the SRC for building a partnership with the Motsepe Foundation.