CPUT shuts all campuses and evacuates student residences

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has closed all of its campuses and ordered the immediate evacuation of its student residences following an arson attack at its Bellville campus.

The university announced the decision in an urgent notice to staff and students on Tuesday, 18 August, saying the closure would remain in place until further notice.

The move brings academic activity at the university to an immediate halt as management grapples with escalating violence and disruptions on its campuses.

CPUT campuses closed after fire

CPUT said fire officials responded on Monday evening to a fire at the Old Education building at the Bellville campus.

While nobody was injured in the incident, the university said the escalation in violence had reached a point where the safety of students and staff could no longer be guaranteed.

“Management has the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all staff and students,” the university said.

CPUT said the latest incident followed ongoing violent disruptions, including the torch­ing of buildings and attacks on institutional infrastructure.

The university described the actions as being carried out by “unruly individuals” intent on making the institution dysfunctional.

Students have 24 hours to leave residences

As part of the emergency response, all CPUT residences must be evacuated by 16:00 on Wednesday, 19 August, the university said.

Students living in university residences have been instructed to leave by the deadline, after which the residences will be closed.

CPUT stressed that the evacuation was being implemented as a safety measure.

“The safety of our campus community is our top priority, and the evacuation is now our only option to de-escalate the violence and protect lives,” management said.

Academic activities have been suspended with immediate effect.

Protests linked to university’s R4.2 billion debt

The latest arson attack comes after days of protests and unrest linked to CPUT’s financial recovery plans.

Students have been protesting against a Draft Financial Recovery Plan aimed at addressing the university’s reported R4.2 billion debt.

Under the proposed plan, students would have to pay a mandatory R7 000 registration fee, along with a portion of their outstanding fees upfront.

The proposed changes would also remove the option for students to register by signing a debt pledge.

The financial recovery plan has faced strong opposition from students, with protests disrupting lectures and activities across CPUT’s campuses.

CPUT subsequently withdrew its draft financial plan following the protests.

The protests have involved various student organisations, including the Pan-Africanist Student Movement of Azania, Economic Freedom Fighters Students’ Command and uMkhonto weSizwe Student Movement.

The unrest has resulted in lectures being halted at various campuses, while students also planned further shutdown action.

CPUT has now opted to close its campuses entirely as it attempts to bring the escalating situation under control.