Overview
- CPUT suspended academic activity and closed all campuses on Tuesday after an arson attack on the Old Education building at its Bellville campus and repeated property damage.
- The university ordered all residence occupants to vacate by 16:00 on Wednesday, 19 August, saying the measure is a safety step as management works to de-escalate disruptions.
- The current unrest was driven by student opposition to a circulated draft 2027 financial-recovery plan that proposed up to R7,000 for registration and the removal of Acknowledgement of Debt agreements.
- CPUT reported very high student debt and withheld credentials in recent months, with reporting that the university faced about R4.2 billion in outstanding student debt and roughly 16,200 withheld certificates as context for the dispute.
- Hundreds of students marched to Parliament to submit a 20-page memorandum demanding oversight, student leaders say they will resist evacuation, and MPs and campaigners are calling for an independent probe while the university says it is seeking ways to finish the academic year.