CPUT students left in limbo as classes remain suspended

CPUT students are grappling with uncertainty as the university remains closed, with no plans for either online or in-person classes in sight. The academic suspension follows weeks of protest activity, during which violent clashes erupted, resulting in the damage to the Old Education Building. CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley confirmed that an academic catch-up plan is being developed but has not yet been finalized.

The current disruption is causing significant stress for students, who are worried about the impact on their studies, including examinations, graduation, and Work-Integrated Learning programmes. Students initially protested over a proposed draft financial recovery plan, which suggested some students pay up to R7,000 upfront for registration.

The council later withdrew this plan for further consultation. Students' demands also include addressing historical student debt, registration requirements, residence fees, and access to academic records. The Department of Higher Education acknowledged these issues were raised in memoranda submitted by students. The prolonged shutdown has left students anxious about recovering lost academic time.

Some students, particularly those living in Bellville residences, faced challenges as they were expected to vacate their accommodation by November and lacked the funds to travel home. Student leaders have distanced themselves from the violence, accusing opportunists of infiltrating the protests. CPUT management ordered the evacuation of residences after receiving credible intelligence that violence would escalate.

Despite the evacuation, tensions remain high, with student leaders demanding that two students from each campus be allowed to attend talks alongside the Student Representative Council (SRC) to ensure transparency. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela dispatched a departmental team to facilitate engagement between CPUT management, Council, and student leadership, but subsequent talks have hit a dead end.