South Africa: Student protests force university closures in KwaZulu-Natal Feb. 19

Event

Officials at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in KwaZulu-Natal province closed the university amid violent student protests on Tuesday, February 19, and gave student protesters until 16:00 (local time) to disperse. The university closure follows the arrest of at least five students during demonstrations on Monday, February 18. Meanwhile, officials at Durban University of Technology (DUT) and the University of Zululand closed their respective campuses on Monday following student protests. A heightened security presence and associated transportation disruptions are likely in affected areas. Further protests and clashes are possible on college campuses in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Violent student protests spread across KwaZulu-Natal province following the February 5 killing of a student by a campus security guard. Previously, hundreds staged protests to denounce the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding system beginning on February 4, with students blocking roads throughout the Durban metropolitan area.

Advice

Individuals in KwaZulu-Natal province are advised to avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution and budget additional time to reach their destination if traveling through the affected areas.