Dear colleague,

Following the unrest and disruption of the academic programme and services on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, yesterday, 27 February, the Campus Management hosted meetings with several stakeholders to find solutions. We are satisfied with the progress made during these meetings and will continue to involve other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the unfortunate incident does not recur. To this end, we are pleased to announce that contact/face-to-face classes will resume on Friday, 1 March 2024. All staff are hereby requested to return to the office tomorrow, 29 February 2024. The Protection Service and other law enforcement agencies remain on alert to deal decisively with any transgression.

We must reiterate that the university does not have control regarding the evaluation of NSFAS applications, approvals, appeals, and defunding processes. Students and the entire student population in our country are aware of this; thus, it is disheartening to witness unfortunate chaotic events such as the one that happened yesterday. As indicated in yesterday's communique, perpetrators of the unrest will be dealt with harshly.

Once again, we recognise the inconvenience, confusion, and frustration that yesterday's incident caused. Staff and students who need help are encouraged to liaise with relevant structures on campus including the office of the deputy vice-chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis.

Let us all continue to work towards a successful academic year.

Let's get to work colleagues.

Thank you

Prof Mzubanzi Bismark Tyobeka
Principal and Vice-Chancellor