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AfriForum Youth is of the opinion that the decision of the University of Pretoria (UP) to close down the university due to protests over study fees, is a breach of an undertaking by prof. Cheryl de la Rey, rector of UP.

This follows after prof. De la Rey yesterday made a promise to AfriForum and AfriForum Youth that academic activities will continue undisturbed in spite of protests. Prof. De la Rey undertook the following in a conversation:

• The University will not be closed down due to protests.
• Tyrants will be arrested and removed.
• Each tyrant will be suspended forthwith.
• The police will immediately proceed with criminal charges against offenders.
• Student Representative Council elections will continue peacefully in 2016.

According to Ian Cameron, Head of Community Safety at AfriForum, no measures have been put into place to prevent protestors from bringing the University to a standstill. This resulted in students once again being deprived of their right to education.

“According to security who was present at the main campus, UP management supposedly handed a directive to security officials to not intervene if there was violence. According to management this is an uprising among students. It is practically possible and sustainable to secure classes and protect students at the University – UP, however, neglected to put the necessary measures in place and keep to their own action plan.”

AfriForum Youth is furthermore of the option that UP’s decision to close down the University merely gives superiority to protestors.

Issued by AfriForum Youth