POLOKWANE - Eight students who were suspended by the University of Limpopo’s (UL) Polokwane branch were re-admitted at the institution after the Pretoria High Court’s decision to suspend the decision taken by the University.

On September 13, UL decided to suspend Thomas Kubayi, Golden Rikhotso, Gerald Mokhudu, Phetole Lebea, Michael Phaladi, Lucky Kgasago, Noah Maake and Samuel Dlamini, and the decision was implemented on the 28th of the same month. The students were facing charges relating to violent and criminal activities that happened in February, this year, when the Pan Africanist Student Movement of Azania leading the SRC was still in charge.

Some of the charges included damaging the University gates to the value of R2,5 million; interfering with safety and security equipment by causing unauthorized fires which endangered the health and safety of others; obstructing and disrupting teaching, research and efficient administration at the campus; harassment and intimidation and physical assault of the academic staff; and ignoring legitimate instructions compelling them to desist from class disruptions.

All the students were suspended from the University for a period of three semesters. They were supposed to re-apply for admission in January, 2007.

Judge Justice Mavundla suspended the sentence imposed by the University against the eight students until when the case will be heard on November 15, hence the respondents, UL, is given until October 24 to file their answering affidavits.

One of the affected students, Thomas Kubayi, said: “This is a political matter and we will address it in a political way by embarking on mass action.” Kubayi, who believes that they were being targeted by the management because they are aligned with the PAC, said: “The suspension came on Thursday after we submitted a memorandum, on Wednesday, which was raising issues of security on campus, the library, computers and the opening of lecture halls during the night.

“In fact, everything started in February when we protested against academic and financial exclusion and mismanagement on the campus,” said Kubayi who was acting SRC President when they were removed from the office by the management in February, after the strike.

University spokesperson Kgalema Mohuba said: “I cannot comment about the lifting of the suspension as I do not have clear information from our legal representative.”