The University of Pretoria (UP) will remain closed for registration until further notice, after violent protests by outsourced workers broke out last week.

In a statement, UP spokesperson Anna-Retha Bouwer said efforts to resolve disputes with outsourced workers could not be reached on Saturday.

“Since access to the entrances to the university is being impeded by protest action and threats of intimidation and violence continue, the university will remain closed. Online registration continues and we are communicating directly with parents and students. Staff and student portals are to be consulted for updates,” she said.

Bouwer said protesting workers have demanded immediate in-sourcing of all contract workers and a minimum salary of R10 000 per month.

“The university tabled a proposed phased approach to the in-sourcing of services linked to the expiry of existing contracts and in the interim has agreed to a “top up” of existing salaries.

“This is in line with similar agreements at several other universities such as Wits University and University of Johannesburg. Regrettably, this was rejected by the worker representatives and student representatives,” Bouwer said.

She said several complex issues must be considered including their long-term legal contracts with service providers.

“Should these be cancelled, there would be significant financial penalties.”

Bouwer said UP remained committed to continuing with a commission on insourcing and a further meeting of the commission had been scheduled.

Meanwhile outsourced workers told News24 they are planning to shut down all Pretoria universities and colleges as well as Tshwane municipality on Monday to protest against outsourcing.

“We are planning to intensify our actions – aiming for total shutdown of all universities, colleges and the municipality,” #OutSourcingMustFall spokesperson Mametlwe Sebei told News24.

Sebei said they would target the University of Pretoria (UP), the Tshwane University of Technology, the Tshwane North College, the Tshwane South College and Medunsa this week. News24