Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has hit out at protesters who have destroyed university property.

He was speaking as there have been reports of disruptions at several tertiary institutions over various issues.

Most recently, protests have turned violent at Mangosuthu University of Technology in Durban.

Several university buildings and cars were torched overnight, while there has been extensive damage to infrastructure.

The institution says that the do not know what is behind the protest and did not receive a notification of grievances.

Minister Nzimande says that any destruction of property is an act of sabotage to the education system.

He says that the working class cannot suffer for the demands of the working class.

The minister highlighted that many poor and hardworking students have been affected by these disruptions.