North West University: Mahikeng campus closed due to ‘safety fears’

Officials at the Mahikeng campus of North West University (NWU) have decided to shut down their operations for the day, following a significant resurgence in protest action at their facilities.

North West University shutdown: Protests force campus closure

On Monday 27 January, waves of students across the country embarked on another #FeesMustFall protest, demonstrating against the perceived “lack of progress” shown by the ANC in implementing free higher tuition across the board. One of Jacob Zuma’s last policy decisions has proved to be a nightmare for his successors.

Issues with registration processes and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS) request for students to start repayments on their loans has caused something of a flare-up. UKZN and the University of Fort Hare also saw disruptions at the start of the week, but North West University have officially gone ahead with the first scheduled campus closure.

Assault blamed for Mahikeng closure

NWU have stated that a number of senior students “assaulted” younger students and caused significant damage to university property. The Mahikeng base saw students preventing others from entering the university on Monday, and the powers that be now feel that their staff and non-protesting students are at-risk:

“The North West University management is deeply concered about incidents of violence on our Mahikeng campus. The unacceptable actions of senior students have been reported to SAPS, and a case of assault has been opened. The safety of staff and students on campus is increasingly in jeopardy.

“That is why we have resolved to close the campus until further notice. All students are required to vacate the campus by 15:00 on Tuesday. The disruptions have already had a negative impact on a number of services, included the registrations of first-years and returning students.”

North West University statement

NWU give students 15:00 deadline to vacate

It’s not clear what will happen if students remain on campus beyond the cut-off time. But police in the area remain on standby, and the #FeesMustFall movement has made its voice heard loud and clear this week.

• You can read the full statement from North West University on their Mahikeng shutdown here:

NWU campus Mahikeng campus closes following violence. pic.twitter.com/elUK2bmxVE

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) January 28, 2020