CPUT blames ‘career students’ for campus chaos

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has accused, what it terms, career students for the violence that’s erupted at its campus.

The institution says the students have exceeded their years of study but are forcing their way back into the university – taking space for deserving newcomers.

CPUT says the learners no longer have National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, are not progressing academically, have pending disciplinary issues and some submitted fake student numbers while living close to the university.

Chaotic scenes erupted at the university on Sunday night after the protesting students clashed with private security, demanding accommodation.

CPUT situation; Second night after, students are kicked out to the streets. haven’t been eating for the past few days, sleep on concrete everyday and have to attend classes everyday. This is the most hurtful and hopeless fight. @54Battalion @SixoGcilishe @NalediChirwa @SihleLonzi pic.twitter.com/wxq6sX7QyJ

— Mkhathini (@Mkhathikhathi) February 9, 2025

Some freshers, who have traveled from outside the province, were caught in the crossfire, sleeping outside the institution as they wait for placement.

Currently happening at CPUT main campus, third week of our African black first year and returning students without residences. They will find us here on the ground on the side of students. pic.twitter.com/iVxrccfSkY

— Msezane Former UKZN SRC SG (@MnqobiPrince2) February 10, 2025

The institution’s spokesperson, Lauren Kansley, says they are disappointed that the security personnel’s efforts to try and prevent the situation from getting worse was highjacked by these students.

Kansely has assured those who are waiting for placements that they will be notified when it becomes available.

The frustration over accommodation at CPUT started last month and has resulted in some frustrated students documenting their experience on social media.

Woke up to these heartbreaking videos from my brother. He’s a student at CPUT Bellville. These aren’t even first year students- they had accommodation the previous year. They haven’t failed or been excluded. They just have been confiscated their residence for no reason. pic.twitter.com/rylGfK6LXV

— Sino⚖️ (@TwixSin0) February 5, 2025

Guys, imbi lento eyenzwa yi cput pic.twitter.com/LJr3o9f5xa

— Tinaye Nkosi (@tinaye_nkosi) February 9, 2025

The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has expressed concern over the scenes playing out at CPUT, urging the Minister of Public Works to use the Expropriation Act to take over abandoned buildings and use them for student accommodation.

“Year after year, we witness the same crisis, with students—many from outside the province—left stranded, forced to sleep on campus floors due to the government’s continued failure to provide adequate housing. This situation is not just unacceptable; it is inhumane,” the party says in a statement.

“Furthermore, the Department of Higher Education must intervene immediately and guarantee accommodation for students waiting to conclude their registrations and those awaiting NSFAS approval. It is unacceptable for students to be left without shelter while they navigate bureaucratic delays,” it adds.