Johannesburg - Two groups of students clashed at the University of Witwatersrand on Wednesday morning over whether or not to continue the academic year.
A group calling themselves Keep Wits Open started a silent march from the Science Stadium in West Campus to Solomon Mahlangu House.
A group of students affiliated with #FeesMustFall tried to stop their protest. They held posters written “F**k White People” and “White Privilege”.
The silent protesters held their ground and remained non-violent.
Their leader Stuart Young, who staged a silent protest alone on Tuesday, said : “ We also want free and affordable education. We agree with the movement but are unhappy with intimidation.”
Young said they wanted the academic year to continue so students can graduate.
Bishop Joe Seoka had to intervene on the steps of Solomon Mahlangu House to avoid the two groups of students from coming to blows.
A fourth-year law student Zakhele Xaba said: “We cannot stand for a dictatorship. We want to continue with our classes. I'm not privileged and just want to finish my course.”
A student mass meeting is expected to begin at Solomon Mahlangu House shortly.
#TakeWitsBack situation at the moment on the stairs of The Great Hall @IOL pic.twitter.com/ltXuqp60zB
#KeepWitsOpen challenged on their silent march @IOL pic.twitter.com/vPyXU4eZHD
— IG: MojoIOL (@MojoIOL) October 5, 2016
As they gather to make their way to the Great Hall, Stuart Young says he is not against #FeesMustFall @IOL pic.twitter.com/MaiGsPMcZv
— IG: MojoIOL (@MojoIOL) October 5, 2016
The Star