Rhodes University is prioritizing its 2026 spring graduation, ensuring it takes place with dignity and respect, despite recent student protests and police intervention. The university's spokesperson, Olwetu Gwanya, confirmed that the graduation ceremony would proceed as planned in Makhanda. This comes after a tense standoff between police and protesting students outside the 1820 Settlers National Monument, the graduation venue.
The protests centered on the university's proposed 2027 student fee payment protocol, which students claim would place an undue financial burden on them. In contrast, the university argues that growing student debt is straining its finances. Earlier in the week, the university had warned that a campus shutdown threatened essential services, including meal preparation, cleaning, and water provision.
On Friday, police dispersed the protesting students using stun grenades and rubber bullets, resulting in 13 arrests. The arrested students, aged between 19 and 23, were accused of contravening a court order. However, students disputed the police account, claiming they were peacefully sitting outside the monument before being told to leave.
According to Gwanya, the university's executive leadership participated in Friday's graduation ceremony. The institution is working through the issues raised by students and is committed to continuing discussions with them. The university and the Student Representative Council (SRC) have agreed to further discussions next week to address the students' concerns.
Gwanya attributed the decision to seek a court interdict to the disruption caused by students blocking campus entrances, which prevented essential-services employees from accessing the campus and residences. The university had initially warned that this could impact services such as meal preparation and water provision.
The police spokesperson, Brig Nobuntu Gantana, stated that protesters were given warnings and time to disperse after an operational commander read out the high court order. The order barred protest action aimed at disrupting the graduation ceremony. Police moved in after the group failed to comply with the order.
Despite the tensions, Gwanya emphasized that Rhodes University remains committed to engaging with students and addressing their concerns. The university is working to establish what can be accommodated regarding the students' demands and the associated financial and operational implications.
Key points
- 13 students were arrested for allegedly contravening a court order during protests outside the Rhodes University graduation venue.
- The protests are centered on the university's proposed 2027 student fee payment protocol.
- The university remains committed to continuing discussions with students to address their concerns.
