By Jimmy Zwane
Cape Town – The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has dismissed claims that it has approved any adjustments to student fees for the 2026 academic year, following growing tensions on campus and threats of protest action by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Student Command.
The university’s management confirmed on Wednesday, 16 October, that no final decision has been made regarding proposed tuition or residence fee increases. This comes in the wake of mounting student concerns and campus disruptions sparked by fee-related anxiety.
Earlier this week, a group of EFF Student Command members staged a demonstration at CPUT’s Cape Town campus, temporarily halting shuttle transport services for two hours. The protest later moved to the Bellville campus, where student leaders handed over a memorandum outlining their grievances.
The protests were in response to a draft financial proposal put forward by the university, which includes measures aimed at reducing institutional debt. The proposed cost-cutting strategy suggests:
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An upfront tuition fee payment of R3,500
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A possible increase in tuition and residence fees
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The introduction of an application fee
While these measures remain under discussion, CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley emphasised that no fee changes have been approved. She reiterated that all financial decisions follow a consultative process involving various stakeholders, including student representatives, and are ultimately subject to approval by the university council.
“Management meets regularly with duly elected student leadership. These matters are discussed at length during these consultative processes,” Kansley said.
She confirmed that a task team has been established to engage with student structures about the fee proposals and that further discussions are expected in the coming weeks.
Student Concerns Mount Amid Economic Pressure
The controversy comes at a time when students across the country are increasingly vocal about the rising cost of higher education, especially as the economy continues to struggle and youth unemployment remains high.
Many student formations, including the EFF Student Command, have argued that any increase in fees would disproportionately affect students from poor and working-class backgrounds — some of whom are already reliant on NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) funding, which often falls short of covering all costs.
In a statement, the EFF Student Command accused CPUT management of attempting to implement a “fee increment through the backdoor” without adequate consultation.
“We reject any attempts to financially exclude students. If these proposals are not scrapped, we will mobilise and shut down the institution,” the statement read.
The group has called for a total freeze on fee increases, including scrapping the proposed upfront payment and application fee.
University Urges Calm and Dialogue
CPUT has called on students to remain calm and allow the formal consultative processes to unfold. Management insists that no final decision will be made without broad input and consensus.
“While the university is mindful of the financial constraints facing students, we must also find sustainable ways to ensure CPUT’s financial viability and operational stability,” Kansley added.
As negotiations continue, the university has committed to keeping communication channels open and to working with all student organisations to find a mutually agreeable solution.
What Happens Next?
The task team is expected to meet again in the coming days to further deliberate on the proposed fee adjustments. Meanwhile, student organisations say they will continue mobilising and monitoring the situation closely.
Whether a compromise can be reached before the end of the academic year remains to be seen. However, with exam season approaching and tensions simmering, the pressure is mounting on both sides to find a way forward that balances financial sustainability with student access and affordability.
