Rhodes University students have shut down the campus from 8 May 2023 in a protest over extreme water cuts by the municipality that left many student residences without water for bathing or flushing toilets for two weeks. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.
By Staff Reporter
Hundreds of students from Rhodes University embarked on a shutdown of campus on 8 May, then marched to the City Hall conjunction with the Unemployed Peoples’ Movement. The shutdown was sparked after water services broke down, leaving many students in university residences unable to flush toilets or bathe for two weeks. The university’s students have previously spoken out against the fact that tap water is undrinkable in Makhanda, which means they need to spend their scarce resources on buying drinking water from local supermarkets.
(This story will be updated throughout the week).
A mass march against water cut-offs took place on 8 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.Protest by students, the Unemployed Peoples’ Movement and Transfiguration College religious leaders at City Hall, 8 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.Religious leaders of the town from the Transfiguration College supported the Rhodes University students’ shutdown on 8 and 9 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.Support from on high for student grievances. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.The protest arrives at City Hall. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.The Shutdown on 8 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.The Rhodes University Shutdown on 8 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.The student shutdown of the campus on 8 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.Rhodes University students prepare to march on City Hall in protest against the water crisis in Makhanda. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.Rhodes University SRC president Avu Tyala and Ayanda Kota, secretary of the Makana Citizens Front and Unemployed Peoples’ Movement leader, address the protestors at City Hall on 8 May 2023. Photo: Aphiwe Ngowapi.The SRC leader, Avu Tyala handing over a petition to the Makana municipal manager, Phumelelo Kate, at City Hall on 8 May. Photo: Tim Bull, Makana Residents Association.Students protest at City Hall on 8 May. Photo: Loyiso Dyongman for GroundUp.Students protest at the entrance to Rhodes University on 8 May. Photo: Supplied.Students also voiced their discontent at the high cost of residence fees at the university. Photo: Loyiso Dyongman for GroundUp.
