Interdict Application Decision

Following student protests earlier this year, the University sought and was granted an interim interdict to prevent those who engaged in unlawful activities from doing so.

The interdict was aimed at prohibiting protesters from interfering with free movement on campus, kidnapping, assault, threatening, intimidating or in any manner interfering with bodily integrity and psychological and mental wellbeing of any member of the Rhodes community.

Subsequent to a hearing at the High Court last week, the court narrowed down the interdict and a final interdict was granted against the three students cited in the application.

It is important to note that the application for the interdict was not taken as a first option but as a way to safeguard the well-being of the University and its community. Disputes and disagreements in an institution of higher learning should be resolved through reasoned debate, rational argument and engagement. The University and hopes to be able to re-establish that form of engagement going forward so as to be able to create an environment that is safe, secure, supportive and conducive to the advancement of the University’s academic project.

Issued by the Communications and Advancement Division