CPUT SRC condemns campus fires, backs independent investigations

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) has condemned the burning and destruction of university property amid ongoing tensions at the institution.

Central SRC President, Liyabulela Gela, says the student leadership supports independent investigations into fires reported at the institution, including incidents dating back to 2023.

Speaking during a briefing on Friday, Gela insisted that the SRC has “nothing to hide” and wants credible investigations into the causes of the fires and how previous cases were handled.

“Contrary to how the media and some of the members of the public and the university have portrayed us, the Central SRC does not support us all, and we condemn without reservation the burning or destruction of the university proper,” Gela said.

The remarks come after CPUT closed its doors and ordered students to vacate university residences by Wednesday, following an arson attack at the Old Education building on Belville Campus earlier in the week. 

The blaze follows days of unrest and protests over concerns about governance, finances and institutional accountability, with student representatives warning that changes stemming from the 2027 Financial Plan could make higher education inaccessible.

The university said the shutdown was aimed at preventing further destruction of property, intimidation, violence or possible loss of life. 

Gela says damaged infrastructure only undermines students’ interests by disrupting academic programmes and displacing students from residences.

Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela, says a team has begun talks with all parties at CPUT in an effort to restore calm.

Manamela says the university’s withdrawal of its 2027 financial plan is a positive starting point for negotiations, while reiterating calls to end the violence, intimidation and the destruction of property.

“The Minister still condemns any acts of violence, intimidation or any destruction of property. He wants all the parties involved to ensure that teaching and learning resumes at CPUT, so that the academic year is not lost,” said the Minister’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat. 

🚨 Media Alert 🚨

The students of Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) are engaged in struggle against a parasitic financial recovery plan. A plan the students have vehemently rejected and have thus engaged in a resistance against the university management.

In what… pic.twitter.com/mpK4aI1An2

— EFF Youth Command (@EFFYouthCommand) August 19, 2026