A STORM is brewing between management and students at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in Umlazi over proposed fee increases.

Though the demonstration was peaceful the police kept a close watch yesterday while protesting students chanted slogans and sang freedom songs.

They toyi-toyied and carried placards giving the management until next week to respond, failing which they will go on a massive strike.

"No to 8, 5 % fee increment. Mchunu must leave. No to academic exclusion. Away with corrupt management and NSFAS must pay for books and meals," some of the placards said.

Student representative council president Dumo Ntyinkala said they were not striking but were demonstrating to raise their concerns with management.

"We all know about the technical glitches involving the SRC elections last year. The management had implemented some decisions that were taken without our involvement," Ntyinkala said.

"For instance, the issue of an 8, 5percent fee increment was resorted to without our being involved and we cannot allow that to happen. They can't impose such a huge increment on us."

Ntyinkala said they also wanted dean of student affairs Thami Mchunu out of the institution with immediate effect because he was "incompetent".

"He has failed the students in a number of instances and seems to be biased towards the IFP-aligned Sadesmo."

The question of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme was also a thorny issue.

Administrator Mashupya Kgapola said the acting principal and vice chancellor would formulate a response to all the issues raised in the memorandum.