University shutdown in South Africa escalates
The shutdown of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has escalated to direct government intervention, with the Department of Higher Education and Training stepping in.
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, requested that a team from the university education branch work with CPUT to facilitate discussions between the university and student leadership groups.
This follows the university being immediately shut down after an arson attack on its Bellville campus, causing significant disruptions to teaching and learning.
The arson attack came as the university has experienced disruptions due to student dissatisfaction with CPUT’s proposed 2027 financial plan.
The plan proposed changes to how historical debt would be handled and several other key issues, which student bodies raised concerns over in a memorandum sent to the university.
In a statement, the Department of Higher Education and Training condemned the attacks on the university and said that students should make use of proper channels.
“The Ministry condemns unequivocally the destruction of university property, violence, intimidation and any conduct that places students, staff and other members of the university community at risk,” it said.
“The Minister urges students to use legitimate channels through which to raise concerns affecting their access to higher education, affordability and living and learning conditions.”
The Department’s team has been dispatched to handle several functions, including:
- facilitate structured and constructive engagement between the parties;
- establish the verified facts underlying the respective grievances;
- identify matters that can be resolved immediately;
- assist the parties to agree to a clear and time-bound process for addressing outstanding matters; and
- support urgent efforts to restore learning, teaching and essential university services.
“The immediate priority is to bring the parties around the table, establish the facts and find a way forward that allows the academic programme to resume,” Manamela said.
“Students have a right to raise legitimate concerns about their access to higher education. Those concerns must be heard and addressed through constructive engagement.”
“Equally, no student or staff member should have to fear for their safety or be prevented from exercising their right to study or work.”
The Minister also said that the withdrawal of the draft financial plan would be an important opportunity for the university and student leaders to reset their engagement.
He said that future engagements should focus on resolving immediate issues, identifying problems that require further consideration, and planning to address them.
“Leadership at the University and among students carries a responsibility to find solutions. Public statements and actions that inflame tensions will not assist us in resolving the issues before us,” Manamela said.
Loading ...