The ongoing shutdown at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has escalated, prompting direct intervention from the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has instructed officials from the university education branch to work with CPUT management and student leadership in an effort to resolve the dispute and restore normal academic operations.
The intervention follows the immediate closure of the university after an arson attack at its Bellville campus caused major disruption to teaching and learning.
Student Dispute Adds to CPUT Shutdown
The arson incident comes amid growing tensions at CPUT over the institution’s proposed 2027 financial plan.
Student organisations have raised concerns about several aspects of the draft plan, including proposed changes to the handling of historical student debt.
The concerns were formally communicated to the university through a memorandum, adding to an already tense situation on campus.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has strongly condemned the destruction of university property, violence and intimidation, urging students to use established channels to raise their concerns.
The department stressed that legitimate student grievances around affordability, access to education and living conditions must be addressed, but warned that violence and destruction cannot be tolerated.
Government Team Sent to Facilitate Talks
The minister has tasked the department’s team with helping CPUT and student representatives find common ground.
Among its responsibilities will be:
- Facilitating structured discussions between university management and student representatives.
- Establishing the facts behind the various grievances.
- Identifying issues that can be resolved immediately.
- Helping both sides agree on a clear timeline for outstanding matters.
- Supporting efforts to restore teaching, learning and essential university services.
The immediate objective is to get university leadership and student representatives back around the negotiating table.
Minister Calls for Calm and Constructive Engagement
Manamela said students have every right to raise concerns about issues affecting their education, affordability and campus experience.
However, he stressed that those concerns should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than violence or intimidation.
The minister also emphasised that students and university employees should be able to study and work without fearing for their safety.
The withdrawal of CPUT’s draft financial plan could provide an opportunity for both sides to reset discussions and focus on resolving the most urgent issues.
Manamela urged university and student leaders to take responsibility for finding practical solutions, warning that actions or statements that further escalate tensions would make it more difficult to resolve the dispute.
The focus now shifts to negotiations as authorities attempt to restore stability and get CPUT’s academic programme back on track.
