STUDENTS at the University of KwaZulu-Natal have suspended their strike action.

Last week the student representative council (SRC) leaders gave university management an ultimatum to resolve their grievances by Friday or face renewed mass action.

Lectures at two campuses were disrupted when students downed tools last week.

But yesterday lectures resumed at the university's five campuses. SRC spokesperson Thulisa Ndlovu said talks with management were continuing.

"We don't see any point in continuing with the strike while we are having talks with management," Ndlovu said.

"We have encouraged students to return to lectures since they have less than a month before exams start."

Ndlovu said the suspension of the strike did not mean an end to protest action. He warned that protests would be an option if talks reached a deadlock.

The students' grievances included high food prices at the institution, poor maintenance of student residences and the lack of financial aid for students from poor backgrounds.

At the time of going to press management was unavailable to comment.