Sunday Tribune reports that the police arrested at least eight people on Friday afternoon when union members and students protested outside the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.  

National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) members and students from technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges had descended on the Durban ICC in anticipation of Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor’s presence.  When it was learnt that she was not present, the crowd reacted violently, causing traffic to be affected in the area.  eThekwini metro police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Parbhoo Sewpersad, confirmed the police had arrested eight suspects and charged them with public violence.  He indicated that when union members and students were told Pandor was not at the ICC, they tried to forcefully enter the premises.

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