THE start of the 2026 academic year at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, has been thrown into chaos.
This after student protests erupted over accommodation, transport and meal vouchers.
Since Thursday, 12 February, groups of students put up barricades, burned tyres and blocked roads leading to the university's north and south campuses, stopping the movement of both students and staff.
Police and private security were brought in after tensions got worse, firing rubber bullets to break up protesters.
Student Representative Council (SRC) president Similar Komani said the protests followed repeated unanswered requests to university management.
"We have raised issues of accommodation, transport and meal vouchers with the university, but none of them want to assist us," said Komani.
She said the accommodation crisis was especially worrying.
"Every night students struggle to sleep because many of them still don't have accommodation. Some students are only funded for tuition, so where does the university expect them to stay?" she asked.
Komani also cited a shortage of student transport as another major concern.
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Meanwhile, NMU spokeswoman Zandile Ngwendu confirmed that incidents of intimidation were reported on Thursday and Friday, prompting intervention by local law enforcement.
"Sporadic incidents of violence resulted in campus protection services firing paintball guns to stop stone-throwing individuals. No confirmed injuries were reported," said Ngwendu.
She added that the High Court on Friday granted an interdict barring unlawful obstruction and damage to property, as well as interference with academic and administrative operations.
"The interdict further outlines guidelines for lawful protest and excludes barricading of roads and intimidation as legitimate forms of protest," said Ngwendu.
She said the university acknowledged the anxiety faced by students at the start of the academic year, particularly those facing with funding and accommodation challenges.
"Work is ongoing to address students' concerns that fall within the institution's ambit. The university continues to engage constructively with the SRC and other student leaders through established channels."
