CPUT students given 24 hours to leave residences following arson attack

Following an arson attack on the Old Education building at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Bellville campus, the university has closed all campuses and ordered the immediate evacuation of student residences. This comes after tensions rose over proposed financial clearance rules and registration requirements for 2027.

The fire occurred on Monday evening, and fire officials responded to the incident. While no one was injured, university management expressed concern over the escalating violence. Ongoing disruptions, including building torching and attacks on infrastructure, have forced the university to take drastic action. Academic activities have been suspended, and staff are instructed to work remotely, with only essential workers and selected support staff permitted on campus.

All students in university residences must vacate within 24 hours, with the deadline being Wednesday, August 19 at 4pm. The closure follows student protests over the new financial clearance rules, which would require students to pay a percentage of their outstanding fees before being able to register. Students have also objected to the proposed elimination of Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) agreements, which allowed students to register while paying off debt through structured arrangements.

The university maintains that the evacuation is necessary to protect the safety of students and staff during this trying period.