Video message from Stellenbosch University Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers on student fees, protest on campuses and the importance of the academic project:

On fees: "We share the concern that higher education should be broadly accessible to as many people as possible. That's why we have welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Higher Education and Training of additional government funding.

"We fully support fee-free, quality higher education for students from poor households. Ideally, this should be the case for all students, but that would require additional state subsidy.

"In the meantime, we are doing our utmost to support our students financially. No academically deserving student should be excluded due to their financial circumstances."

On protest: "Students do have a right to peaceful protest but not to occupy buildings, disrupt classes or threaten and assault others. We have acted to protect students, staff and facilities – in the interest of the academic project."

On the open conversation: "The University remains committed to ongoing discussions with students about fees and any other matter – led by Student Affairs."

On the academic project: "If universities can't deliver well-qualified graduates and produce new knowledge, society as a whole will be worse off. Let us therefore all work together to ensure to ensure that the academic year continues and is concluded successfully."