Violent protests at CPUT leave security official in ICU after university withdraws controversial financial plan
Violent student protests erupt at CPUT, leaving a security official in ICU and prompting the withdrawal of a controversial financial recovery plan amid rising tensions over student debt and fees.
Clashes erupted at multiple universities across South Africa, resulting in at least one person being hospitalized and two individuals facing criminal charges. The disturbances were sparked by days of student-led demonstrations protesting financial grievances, including concerns over historical student debt, financial exclusion, and resident fees exceeding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) accommodation cap.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) advocated for a reduction in resident fees and modifications to the Draft Financial Recovery Plan (FRP) for 2027.
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley reported that a senior security official suffered a head injury during the protest and remains in the Intensive Care Unit. The controversy surrounding the proposed 2027 FRP included a potential upfront registration fee of R7,000 and new financial requirements for students. Over 1,000 students convened at District Six campus for a mass meeting, while other students halted campus and residence operations, demanding their concerns be addressed.
In response, CPUT Council met on Wednesday night and decided to withdraw the Draft Financial Recovery Plan to facilitate further consultation. Kansley clarified that the decision aimed to encourage more thorough financial planning. She assured that no significant infrastructure damage had been reported, though flooded buildings and broken gates needed attention.
Western Cape police were deployed at College Street in Wellington, where around 220 students gathered to protest. Trees, fencing, and a vehicle were set ablaze, and security personnel faced thrown stones and broken windows. No arrests were made. Police also dispersed a crowd of approximately 1,700 students in Bellville, where a building was set on fire and a security guard was injured and taken to a medical facility.
Two men, aged 19 and 21, were arrested for public violence and will face charges in Bellville Magistrate's Court. Another protest involving approximately 500 individuals took place in Hanover Street, central Cape Town, where burning tires blocked the road and stones were thrown at vehicles. Police dispersed the crowd without making arrests, and law enforcement continued monitoring the affected areas.
Written by urgent.news from IOL's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
