Rhodes University strongly condemns the disruptive actions that took place earlier today, instigated by a small group of individuals with thinly veiled anarchic motives. Such actions interfere with the core academic mission of the University and undermine the rights of students and staff to learn and work in a stable, safe and conducive environment.

Yesterday, the Student Representative Council (SRC) formally submitted a list of demands to University management. In response, the University committed to addressing these concerns within five working days, in line with the timeline set by the students.

However, following this engagement, social media posts emerged from an individual student attempting to undermine the authority of the SRC, an elected statutory body that represents the Rhodes University student body. One such post claimed to have “suspended” the SRC, an assertion that has no legitimacy or standing within University governance.

This morning, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, addressed the protesting students who had gathered before a lecture venue and reminded them of their rights and responsibilities.

“I am advised that you have grievances that you wish to raise. That is important, but these must be channelled through the SRC, which is the legitimate and elected structure which represents all students. Disrupting classes and infringing on other students' right to education should not be taken lightly. I urge you to work with the SRC and not interfere with the academic programme. While the constitutional right to peaceful protest is respected, it must be exercised responsibly and in accordance with University regulations,” Prof Mabizela said.

Students are reminded of the binding declaratory contract they signed upon admission, in which they agreed to abide by all Rhodes University protocols, policies, rules, mandates, procedures, and regulations.

According to the Student Code:

• it is an offence to commit common law crimes (applying force, or threatening to apply force to another person, is an example).
• it is an offence to infringe on another student’s human rights, including materially interfering with the conditions necessary for teaching, learning, research, or community service.
• students, like all citizens, are also bound by the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1966. No one is allowed to blockade traffic on public roads without due authorisation.
• it is an offence to disregard a lawful instruction by a staff member.

The University will not tolerate anarchy and lawlessness. All reported disruptions or violations will be dealt with in accordance with the University’s disciplinary policies.

Rhodes University remains committed to open dialogue and urges students to engage through appropriate and recognised channels to ensure that all concerns are heard and addressed constructively.

Similarly, interference with the University's functioning will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary proceedings and the imposition of due penalties.