Rhodes
Rhodes University announced that it would be suspending part of its academic programme, including formal undergraduate lectures, tutorials, and practical classes on Friday, amid severe disruptions to its municipal water supply.
The institution said its Makhanda campus has been without municipal water since Friday, 23 August 2024, and the University has had to provide water via tankers to kitchens, residences, academic buildings, and offices.
“Despite all these efforts, individual hygiene, health, and study conditions are affected and are increasingly at risk.
“Access to water and sanitation is an internationally recognised human right linked to an acceptable standard of living,” Rhodes said in a statement on Thursday.
Vice Chancellor Professor Sizwe Mabizela has expressed serious concern over the water outages and the negative impact on students, staff, visitors, and the academic programme.
Rhodes said reports “connect the current crisis to potential sabotage to support industrial action in the municipality.”
It said water availability in Makhanda is not the cause of the problem, adding that this “justifies firm leadership intervention and urgent dispute resolution between the municipality and its employees.”
“The situation will significantly influence the University’s future action as the institution strives to mitigate risk emanating from such unpredictable actions while strengthening self-sufficiency.
“The University is the biggest employer and ratepayer in the town,” Professor Mabizela said.
Rhodes has, in the interim, procured additional capacity to distribute water on and off campus to meet stakeholders’ immediate needs. We expect these to come into operation immediately.
“The situation in Makhanda has begun to reflect an apparent disregard for our students and staff's dignity, well-being, and rights.
“The University has escalated this matter to the Office of the Provincial Premier, Mr Oscar Mabuyane.”
Rhodes said it was calling on all the parties to consider the long-term consequences of their actions on the viability of Makhanda as a whole.
“It is unacceptable that the whole community and institutions suffer due to the actions—or inaction—of a few that undermine human rights and dignity.”
