Exams at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) will continue on Monday, the institution said on Thursday.

Exams, which were cancelled this week because of the violent protests on campus, would be repeated the week of December 1, UWC spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said in a statement.

UWC was doing everything to secure conditions on campus next week but students who preferred to complete exams in January were able to do so.

“We have also had extensive consultation with the police today [Thursday] to ensure that their presence on campus is not only in response to incidents after they have happened, but that they would also play an active role in the prevention of incidents during the exam period.

“Police were on campus the whole day with increased public order security.”

He said the university understood that this was a difficult and frustrating time for both students and staff.

Fifteen students arrested on Wednesday after clashes with police at the university appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

The state did not oppose bail, set at R3 000 each for all the accused.

They were expected back in court on December 11.

The students have been prohibited from entering the campus with the court ordering they could only collect personal effects under escort. They must also reside at their alternative addresses.

Chaos erupted at the institution on Wednesday when protesters started fires across the campus, broke windows and set furniture alight before a stand-off with police.

Tyhalibongo said it was quiet on campus on Thursday but the situation remained tense.

In the early hours of morning there was an arson attempt at the Residence Life building.

UWC pleaded for understanding as it tried to resolve the situation.

“Our ultimate goal is to try and secure a conclusion to the 2015 academic year.

Failure to do so would impact on current and prospective students, and may erode the good standing of our university,” he said. News24