THE student representative council (SRC) at the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), led by the South African Democratic Students' Movement (Sadesmo), yesterday distanced itself from students' protests action that halted academic activities and examinations.

The police were called in to disperse the group of students who protested for better living conditions, transportation and food quality.

The university's SRC president, Mxolisi Ndlovu, said the student body had not been informed of any planned strike action. He insisted it was "political interference".

Ndlovu also questioned the timing of the strike and said it would jeopardize all the planning put into the year's curriculum programme.

"The SRC has been meeting with university management about various concerns such as transport and accommodation.

"The strike was mobilized by members of the South African Students Congress (Sasco), who want their former leader to contest the coming student elections.

"The SRC will not be part of a strike that fails to highlight the needs of students," Ndlovu said.

He said five student shuttle buses would be introduced on Friday and the situation in student residences was also improving.

Ndlovu said a total of 195 beds had been distributed to various residential areas that were under renovation.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Buhle Ngidi said protesting students were told to protest outside the institution's premises.

"The students protested peacefully and no arrests were made. No property was vandalized but we will continue to monitor the situation," Ngidi said.

Sadesmo is affiliated to the IFP, while Sasco is aligned to the ANC.

MUT spokesperson Bheki Hlophe confirmed that management was working with the student leadership in addressing some of the student's grievances.