BNN Network reports that a peaceful protest over wages at the University of Pretoria's (UP’s) Hatfield campus turned into a scene of chaos and conflict on Monday.
Members of the National Education, Health and Allied Workers' Union (Nehawu) had gathered to demand better wages, but their peaceful assembly was met with an unexpected response of tear gas and rubber bullets, courtesy of the local police force. On 15 February, Nehawu-affiliated staff at UP initiated a strike as a part of their ongoing wage dispute. They are demanding a 7% wage increase, a 13th cheque, a once-off bonus, additional annual leave days, and long service cash awards at 10, 15, and 20-year milestones. The university's response was to transition to online classes temporarily, aiming to minimize the strike's impact on students' education. However, the move to digital classrooms has not quelled the unrest, with the university obtaining a court order limiting picketing activities and prohibiting intimidation and violence, while ensuring campus access for all. The university confirmed the incident on Monday, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety of its premises and the continuity of operations. Meanwhile, critics, including AfriForum Youth, condemned the impact of the strike and the subsequent police action on students and called for university management to take decisive steps to ensure the safety and uninterrupted education of all students.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard at BNN Network
- Lees ook, Traanrook, rubberkoeëls toe polisie stakende Tuks-werkers verjaag (video), by Maroela Media
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