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| ©Photo: Xabiso Mkhabela/The Daily Maverick |
May 12 (The Daily Maverick) - The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has closed its campuses, postponed an Open Day scheduled for Saturday, May 13 and cancelled all operations and activities after violent protests. Two buildings were set on fire this week, allegedly by protesting students in Bellville and Wellington.
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said student grievances were related to a new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding condition that states that any student studying for fewer than 60-course credits is no longer eligible for lodging, living and transportation allowances. CPUT management said they understood students’ frustrations and would continue to work with NSFAS and student leadership. Kansley told Daily Maverick that the management met at midnight virtually on Wednesday and decided to shut down the campus.
The Western Cape University of Technology (CPUT) has shut down all campuses in Bellville, District Six, Mowbray, Wellington Campus and Granger Bay due to violent protests. The university has been granted an interim court order preventing the disruption of any university activities or unlawful conduct, including violence, intimidation, incitement and damage to CPUT property and vehicles.
The CPUT SRC distanced itself from the mayhem at CPUT’s campuses, and police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said about 200 students were involved in the protests. Members of the SAPS are patrolling the campuses.
