Thousands of students told to leave Cape Town residences

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has instructed thousands of its students to vacate residences across the metro by Wednesday. This move comes after days of protests demanding the university withdraw its proposed 2027 financial recovery plan, which would have required students to pay up to R7,000 to register for the upcoming academic year.

The plan led to property damage and the burning of buildings. CPUT carries the highest student debt among all universities, with R4.2-billion in arrears as of May 2026. The university has withheld approximately 16,200 certificates from students who owe money. A memorandum was submitted to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, demanding urgent action regarding the university's finances, accommodation, and management.

CPUT chairperson Walter Tebogo Letsie stated that the order to leave the residences is "harsh" and "stupid" and suggested that management should engage with the Student Representative Council before making decisions. Student leader Liyabulela Gela emphasized the students' right to understand the university's financial situation and called for an independent investigation into CPUT's conduct. The university has halted all academic activities due to the violence during the protests.