The University of South Africa‚ the latest higher education institution to be hit by disruptions‚ has obtained a court order barring protesting students from disrupting academic activities.

Spokesperson Martin Ramotshela on Tuesday said the order restrain protesters from calling‚ supporting‚ encouraging or inciting unlawful behavior‚ violence‚ the causing of damage to property and from intimidating‚ threatening or harming any employees‚ students‚ service providers or visitors present on Unisa campuses or premises including examination centres.

He said the order was as a result of threats and was obtained with the specific purpose of ensuring a safe and peaceful academic environment.

“The Order authorises the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the Public Order Policing Unit to take all reasonable steps in terms of Sec 9 of the Regulation of Gatherings Act‚ 205 of 1993 to ensure among others that access to any of Unisa’s premises is not impeded by protesters; and the prevention of injury to persons or damage to property‚” he said.

Ramotshela said in terms of the order‚ police were authorised to enter any of Unisa’s premises in order to ensure compliance with the order.

“The Principal and Vice Chancellor and the Management of Unisa place on record their understanding of and sensitivity to the issues raised by students in the recent continuing protest around fees and fee adjustments.

“However‚ the University has an equal responsibility to ensure that the academic activities of the university (including examinations and graduation ceremonies) are not disrupted and that students are allowed to progress with and complete their study programs‚” he added. — TMG Digital/Sowetan