ORDER has been restored at the University of Venda in Limpopo following protests over funds allocated for student meals.

The students, led by the Azanian Students Congress (Azasco), blocked the university's main gate and prevented management staff from leaving the institution until their demands were addressed.

The action started late on Thursday and continued on Monday. Students vowed to continue the protests, but police warned of further arrests if they continued.

Twelve students were arrested for malicious damage to property and spent the weekend in custody. They were released after paying bail of R500 each.

"The students are angry because the activation of cards has been delayed for no valid reason. We use the cards to access meals and books.

Registration was completed in January, but management has not activated the cards as yet," Azasco chairman Musa Nkosi said.

"We used to get R1800 a month loaded on to our cards which was supposed to have increased to R2050 this year."

But university spokesman Takalani Dzaga said the memorandum of demands received was anonymous and would not be responded to.

"Seemingly, a group of unregistered students caused all the trouble. We will not respond to demands by faceless people," Dzaga said.

He said there were allegations that some students allegedly bought groceries for people in exchange for cash.