Classes at the University of Cape Town have been suspended for the next week.

This was announced on Sunday in a statement to the campus community by UCT vice-chancellor Dr Max Price‚ who said the decision had been taken after careful consideration and consultation.

“The decision to suspend lectures is not taken lightly. But we also have to take responsible measures to ensure personal safety‚ and to protect our premises‚” Price said.

“For this next week‚ we want to focus on facilitating discussion on campus with‚ and between‚ students and staff (both for and against protest) on a way forward that breaks the current logjam.

“We wish‚ in addition‚ to engage nationally this week with all vice-chancellors and with the Minister to see if we can find a formula that recognises the legitimate challenges of affordability and commits to a time frame to address these‚” Price added.

He said the university would still be open‚ and that all staff would continue operations during this time. The Jammie Shuttle would run‚ but the libraries would be closed.

The suspension of lectures would also not prevent the completion of the academic year‚ nor the writing of final exams‚ Price said.

“We have worked out a plan that will ensure we complete the academic year by pushing the whole calendar out by two weeks‚ with no reduction in teaching days‚ exam days or study breaks.

“Sadly‚ we will not be able to hold graduations this year. Official transcripts will be issued‚ and students and their families can return to a graduation ceremony in June 2017‚” he added.