LECTURES have resumed at the troubled Mangosuthu University of Technology after student protests earlier forced management to shut down the institution.

LECTURES have resumed at the troubled Mangosuthu University of Technology after student protests earlier forced management to shut down the institution.

Students were called to a mass meeting where they received feedback from their representatives. They were also addressed by the university's administrator Mashupye Kgaphola.

A media briefing that was scheduled for 11am yesterday was, however, later cancelled due to Kgaphola's other commitments.

Students' Representative Council media publicist Xolani Gcaba said students were attending lectures even though the representatives still had grievances to tackle with management.

"We want to promote the culture of learning. Students were and will be in classes while we and management continue with talks."

The university's spokes-person, Bheki Hlophe, said: "Everything has returned to normal. The only element that is evidence of the strike is the police presence around the campus."

Hlophe was uncertain when the police will leave the institution but insisted they are there to maintain safety and security.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Buhle Ngidi said they did not want to be caught off guard and have therefore chosen to deploy police at the university.

"The police will be deployed until we are guaranteed of safety for everybody," Ngidi said.

The students were protesting over the fee increment, poor accommodation, and wanted the axing of dean of students Thami Mchunu.