Johannesburg – The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) on Monday said the academic year got off to a quiet start amid fears that protests around fees that rocked tertiary institutions around the country last year could resurface.
Wits spokesperson, Shirona Patel, said the institution had allowed deserving students without the requisite deposit to enroll and attend lectures – a move that might have diffused tensions.
Last year, Wits closed after weeks of fees protests that culminated in running battles between students and police, damage to property, torching of buses and the destruction of buildings on campus. Patel said the first day of 2017 was quiet and lectures had started.
"Everything is going according to plan, and those who are still waiting for their NFSAS funding have been allowed to attend lectures," said Patel.
"Students who owe R10 000 or less are allowed to register and will only make their first payments end of March."
Wits had 6 200 first-year students for the new academic year.
"We encourage students to make the most of their university time and work with all stakeholders to address key issues regarding fees," added Patel.