Language dispute shuts down Tuks

Academic activities at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield and Groenkloof campuses were suspended after clashes over language policy.

Pretoria - Academic activities at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield and Groenkloof campuses were suspended on Friday following student clashes over language policy, the institution said.

“The closing of the campuses is in the interests of students and staff. This is due to threats to disrupt academic activities. The university will also allow a consultation process over language policy to continue,” the university said on Friday.

Scuffles broke out between AfriForum Youth and Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) members on Thursday during a consultative meeting over languages at the institution.

The university said the meeting could not proceed following clashes. No damage to property was reported.

The court order, obtained on Thursday, prohibits the two organisations from any unlawful protest and disruption of academic activities at the institution.

The university said a language task team had proposed amendments to the institution’s language policy, which were to be tabled at Thursday’s meeting.

The proposals included that English be the primary language of instruction in all lectures, and that Afrikaans and Sepedi be used to provide additional support to students in tutorials and practicals.

Staff and students were requested to forward their input to the task team through email.

African News Agency