THE Tshwane University of Technology, Soshanguve campus, north of Pretoria, will spend millions of rand on strengthening security to deal with hooliganism, thuggery and drug dealing that led to the closure of the campus last Thursday.

Following a meeting between the university management and Tshwane Mayor Gwen Ramokgopa yesterday, it was decided that it will reopen today.

The campus was closed following violent protests, with students complaining about the slow registration process, filthy residences and financial exclusions.

The SRC was suspended, political activities banned and the university obtained a court order against the Pan Africanist Movement of Azania after a student, Bongani Khumalo, was injured in the unrest.

Ramokgopa said the decision to close the institution was not taken lightly.

"Part of the problem is criminal activity. We want to ensure that students learn in a safe environment," she said, conceding that the students' grievances were valid.

Vice-chancellor Errol Tyobeka said: "We want to bring back students who are here to learn. We will ensure that only legitimate students are re-admitted."