Academic activities are set to resume at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) on Monday 14 September following a three-week closure due to violent protests.
The closure followed an arson attack at the old Education Building at the Bellville campus on Monday 17 August.
The unrest was linked to concerns over registration fees, accommodation costs, CPUT’s financial-recovery plan, historical student debt, residence conditions and academic records.
Protests began after students raised concerns about the draft 2027 Financial Recovery Plan, which they claimed could require students to pay up to R7 000 to register.
Lauren Kansley, CPUT spokesperson, said measures have been put in place to ensure academic activities continue without further disruption.
“We have a variety of catch-up plans on the cards to make up for lost time. Plans also remain on track for the annual December graduation ceremony to continue as usual.”
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She said the institution remained focused on protecting its academic programme and ensuring a peaceful conclusion to the academic year.
“As one of largest universities in the Western Cape and one of the largest in the country we have always been mindful that protecting the academic project was our top priority. And ending the year on a calm and peaceful note was something we were endeavouring towards.”
Kansley said the final cost of the damage had not yet been determined.
“We don’t have a final figure on the damages yet. Any venues that may have been damaged, there will be alternative arrangements as we commence the academic project. We will use alternative venues until they are properly fixed up.”
Last month, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela deployed a departmental team to work with CPUT management, Council and student leadership to facilitate urgent engagement as the university remained closed following violent protests.
The SRC rejected the proposed fee and called for residence costs to be reduced where they exceed the NSFAS funding cap. Students also demanded an independent forensic investigation into CPUT’s finances.
Following escalating protests, including a security vehicle being set alight on the Wellington campus, the CPUT Council withdrew the draft financial plan for further consultation.
Manamela said the departmental team would establish the facts behind student grievances, identify issues that could be resolved immediately and help develop a clear, time-bound process to address outstanding concerns.
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