Durban – The University of SA (Unisa) said on Monday that it “noted” protests at its Durban campus.
“Unisa has noted and taken cognisance of the student protest action at the Unisa Durban campus on the Stalwart Simelane Street in Durban today [Monday],” it said in a statement.
“[It also notes]… the statement issued by the National Student Representative Council [NSRC] on the student grievances, including changes to examination venues in KwaZulu-Natal, Cape Town and East London; as well as the university’s application and registration process for the 2016 academic year.”
The acting university registrar met with students in Durban on Monday to discuss their concerns.
With regards to the closing of some exam venues, Unisa said it used external service providers to identify and source examination venues, which were secured through lease agreements.
“There are altogether 390 Unisa examination centres nationally and a total of 600 internationally. On occasions where a venue changes or has changed, it is generally as a result of the lease having expired and not renewed for reasons of unavailability, the need to move to a different venue due to unsatisfactory service delivery or other rational business reasons,” it said.
“At all times, the university endeavours to ensure that all venues it leases serve the interest of the student community.”
It said there was a new application process for the institution.
“The decision to introduce the new application process was taken after extensive consultation with all key stakeholders over a number of years,” Unisa said.
“All the aspects of this new process, including an acceptance fee payable by successful students to secure their space have been thoroughly considered and the university is confident that they are within the bounds of affordability; compared to the cost of studying at any other university.”
It said it had “enhanced its applications and selection processes to ensure access that will more effectively address historical imbalances without sacrificing quality standards”.
Ahmed Areff, News24
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