Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has directed a departmental team to facilitate urgent talks between Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) management, its Council and student leaders following the university’s shutdown.
The intervention comes after an arson attack at CPUT’s Bellville Campus disrupted teaching, learning and other university operations. Students have also raised concerns about the proposed 2027 financial plan, historical student debt, registration requirements, residence fees and academic records.
The minister condemned violence, intimidation and the destruction of university property, while calling on students to use legitimate channels to raise their concerns.
The departmental team will establish the facts behind the grievances, identify issues that can be resolved immediately and help the parties agree on a clear process to address outstanding matters.
Minister Manamela said the priority is to bring all parties to the table and find a way to restore teaching, learning and normal university operations through dialogue rather than confrontation.
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