SRC at CPUT protest lack of transparency over Financial Recovery Plan

The Student Representative Council (SRC) at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has raised concerns over the lack of transparency surrounding the institution's draft Financial Recovery Plan (FRP). The SRC claims that key stakeholders were not consulted when the plan was initially presented. Following student protests, the SRC decided to withdraw the FRP for 2027 in order to allow for further consultation.

The SRC President, Liyabulela Gela, expressed dissatisfaction with the details provided in the FRP by the Chief Financial Officer, Msulwa Daca, and the university management. Gela highlighted the absence of transparency, specifically questioning the calculation of the minimum initial payment of R7000 for registration in 2027. Gela pointed out that the financial situation of the university has never been declared, and the specific figure for registration remains unclear.

She emphasized that students were given the opportunity to present their own project plan, but their concerns were dismissed when the SRC's term was ending.

Gela stressed that the SRC's decisions, whether she is involved or not, will remain in place even after her term concludes. Despite the ongoing protests, CPUT has announced that online classes will continue for the time being while the institution assesses the impact of the recent student demonstrations.