CPUT’s chaotic second semester ends

CPUT's second semester concluded on Friday following a series of violent protests that began over three weeks ago. Lectures were suspended on August 18th, and students were given 24 hours to vacate their residences. Despite most students leaving, classes remained cancelled. The university announced the resumption of classes only when it is safe to do so.

Students informed GroundUp that they managed to finish their internships and submitted assignments in the coming weeks. The CPUT Senate announced that students would return on September 14th, and the academic year would extend to December 14th. The university subsequently dropped its Financial Recovery Plan, which required non-NSFAS-funded students to pay up to R7,000 to register for the new academic year.

The plan's withdrawal led to protests shifting their focus to university governance. The Student Representative Council (SRC), led by the EFF's student arm, demands investigations into allegations regarding the university's management. The SRC's central claim pertains to a R565-million public infrastructure grant, with the group alleging that a significant portion (R304-million) cannot be traced due to two buildings costing around R260-million.

The SRC seeks a detailed reconciliation of the balance. However, CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley disputes these allegations, asserting that the majority of funds are allocated to student residences, security infrastructure, and project management. Kansley maintains that CPUT's funds are tightly administered and subject to necessary regulatory oversight.

The SRC also accuses the university of mishandling the appointment of vice-chancellor Chris Nhlapo, procurement, and tender processes, among other issues. The SRC demands Nhlapo's resignation, claiming they are not qualified to assess complex human capital processes. Kansley refutes these claims, stating that whistleblower complaints have been investigated and found to be without merit.