Dear Tuks personnel, alumni, parents, neighbours and friends

On 21 October Tuks students joined in the national #FeesMustFall campaign with peaceful demonstrations at the Hatfield Campus. All academic activities on the campuses had already been suspended to allow for constructive engagement with student leadership on the fees issues.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal was present on campus on 21 October 2015 to receive the students’ memorandum of demands. She addressed the students and declared the University Management’s commitment to solving the current problems.

The Vice Chancellor and Principal attended a meeting of vice chancellors and leaders of student councils convened by President Zuma at the Union Buildings on 23 October 2015.  The meeting lasted several hours and after deliberation between all stakeholders President Zuma announced that:

1. there would be a zero percent (0%) increase in student fees for 2016;
2. university Vice Chancellors would extend the time for the examination period to compensate for time lost during the protest action;
3. long-term issues to be addressed include free education, institutional autonomy, racism, and what students call “black debt”; and
4. the Presidential Task Team that has been established to address funding mechanisms will be broadened to look at these and broader transformation issues affecting higher education.

While the meeting was in progress, students of the University of Pretoria participated in the national student march to the Union Buildings. The University is appreciative of the responsible manner in which the Tuks students participated in the protest action, both on and off campus, and the fact that there was no violence, serious injury or damage to UP property during this time.

All academic activities will resume on Monday, 26 October 2015 on the normal Monday time-table. The libraries and study centres will also be open. Tests will resume on Wednesday, 28 October 2015 and the revised test and examination schedule will be published early next week. All students are expected to resume their academic commitments on Monday and to complete their examinations. No tests or examinations will be written on 26 and 27 October 2105.

In line with the outcomes of the meeting with the President, the University commits itself to a 0% increase in its fees for all students for 2016. This includes initial payments, residence accommodation and meal fees and tuition.

The University will continue its engagement with student leaders all the issues contained in their memorandum of 21 October 2015.

We would like to thank all stakeholders for their understanding, patience and support during these challenging times.

Yours sincerely