The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) has spent more than R27m to repair property damaged during students protests between July and February.
The department of higher education and training said UKZN was one of the nine institutions that cost taxpayers over R32m to repair vandalised property since last year.
Minister Blade Nzimande called on law enforcement agencies to act swiftly against any acts of violence and destruction of public and private property.
“University vice-chancellors must tighten up appropriate safety and security measures to prevent any form of destruction and to protect life and limb. The destruction of property is a criminal offence and all those engaging in such acts must be apprehended by law enforcement agencies and face the full might of the law,” Nzimande said in a statement.
He said none of the acts and massive losses incurred could be justified or associated with any legitimate forms of protest and should be condemned unequivocally by all, including students and unions.
“I am also convinced that all progressive stakeholder organisations will agree that criminal and violent acts have no legitimacy in genuine political protests around demands for greater equality in post-school education and training,” Nzimande said.
Other universities that had spent millions of rands to repair properties damaged during student protests include:
• The Cape Peninsula University of Technology which reported two cases on the vandalism of fire extinguishers and fire hoses, costing R250,000 to repair. The burning of a pre-fab structure which is used as classrooms cost R2.69m;
• The Central University of Technology had violent incidences reported at its Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses with costs amounting to R1.45m;
• Sefako Makgatho University reported six cases of vandalism with repairs costing R30,220; and
• The University of Johannesburg reported seven cases of vandalism and repairs costing R202,826.
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