Rubber Bullets and Arrests as Ikhala TVET Protest Escalates

The sound of rubber bullets could be heard from a kilometre away at Ikhala TVET College’s Ezibeleni campus this week as student protests intensified over unresolved academic and management grievances.

Students say they will not end the strike until college management addresses issues they claim have been ignored for months. The main trigger, they say, is the failure to capture some students’ end-of-year results, a mistake that has jeopardised his academic progression.

Student Karabo Gcuku said the strike began on Tuesday after repeated requests for the Campus Manager to meet students peacefully were ignored.

“This thing, the strike, started Tuesday as we wanted the Campus Manager to talk to us peacefully and explain things properly since we have complaints. But he didn’t come to see us,” Gcuku said.

According to students, the SRC arranged a small delegation to meet the Campus Manager, but no satisfactory answers were given. They claim he said there was “nothing he can do” and the students would be moved back to Level 3 after a ruling against him for not signing his prelim.

Tensions escalated when students tried to meet the Principal on Tuesday.

“We were told he’s not there… but we saw him drive past us in a car,” Gcuku said.

Public order police officers later instructed students to leave within 5 minutes.

“While we were leaving we were shot at. Four students were arrested, most of us were hit with rubber bullets.”

Four students arrested during the protest appeared in the Ezibeleni Magistrate’s Court and were released on warning.

They face charges of damaging police vehicles during the strike.

The case was postponed to 13 July 2026 for evidence to be presented.

Student representative Samkelo Mdayi insisted the protest was not about disruption.

“Our strike is not aimed at causing chaos, but at seeking justice, getting answers to our complaints, and ensuring all students are treated fairly by the college.”

Students say they are now suspended and refuse to return to campus “until justice is done”.

Ikhala TVET College’s Marketing and Communications Manager, Palesa Beja, said management acknowledges the concerns around academic results and progression.

“The College takes these concerns seriously and has been engaging with the Student Representative Council and affected students to better understand the issues raised and identify appropriate solutions,” Beja said.

She confirmed meetings were held with the SRC and all four affected students, including the student who missed the first session. A further meeting involving College Management, the SRC and affected students is scheduled for Saturday to review investigation findings and work toward a resolution.

On the police involvement, Beja said the college is “aware of recent incidents that resulted in the involvement of law enforcement authorities” following reports of threats and alleged attacks during protest action.

“The circumstances remain under investigation, and the College is awaiting relevant reports before commenting further.”

Beja appealed for calm: “Ikhala TVET College remains committed to resolving the academic concerns raised in a fair, transparent and student-centred manner. We appeal to all students to remain calm and allow the engagement and investigation processes to run their course.”