CPUT gives students 24 hours to vacate residences after Bellville campus fire
CPUT has shut down all campuses and ordered students to vacate university residences within 24 hours following an arson attack at the Bellville campus, after escalating protests over proposed 2027 financial clearance and registration requirements.
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has ordered the immediate evacuation of student residences following a fire at the Bellville campus. The Old Education building was deliberately set alight on Monday evening, although no one was injured in the arson attack. University management confirmed the fire and stated that continuous violent disruptions, including building torching and attacks on infrastructure, have led to the closure of all campuses and the evacuation of residences.
Academic activities have been suspended, and only essential workers and selected support staff will be permitted on campus. All students living in university residences must leave within 24 hours, by Wednesday, August 19 at 4pm. The evacuation comes amid student protests over proposed financial clearance rules for 2027, which students claim will make higher education inaccessible for many financially struggling students.
The university has linked the closure to violent actions during the protests, emphasizing the need to protect the safety of staff and students.
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