Student demonstrations at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) are set to continue on Monday, with a march planned at the Cape Town Magistrates Court at 08h00, on Monday, August 17th.
The action follows protests on Friday, 14 August outside the Bellville Magistrates Court, where students demanded the release of two student activists arrested during protest action at CPUT earlier in the week.
Mass meetings precede Monday march
Mass meetings were held on Sunday evening, 16 August at both the Bellville and District Six campuses.
Organisers are calling on the Mowbray Campus community to join students gathering at District Six, while the Bellville Campus remains on edge following Thursday’s protests.
Injuries and damage reported
The protests have resulted in injuries and property damage:
– Two students from Bellville Campus were wounded during Thursday’s protest and are currently receiving medical care at Tygerberg Hospital.
– A security guard sustained a serious head injury after a building was set alight during the Bellville protest. According to Western Cape Police Spokesperson Wesley Twigg, the guard was struck by a brick and has since been admitted to intensive care.
– Feed.co.za reports that damage to District Six Campus facilities is estimated at around R400,000.
University’s response
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansely said the issue centers on financial planning decisions made by Council.
“Council is the highest decision-making body of the institution and the discussion around a minimum initial payment was taken at the behest of Council so that more robust financial planning happens.”
The statement follows the submission of a second memorandum to Vice Chancellor Prof. Chris Nhlapo on Tuesday, 12 August. The university had expected protest activities to cease after Council’s response to withdraw the proposed Draft 2027 Financial Recovery Plan.
What’s next
With tensions still high, Monday’s anticipated demonstration at the Cape Town Magistrates Court is expected to draw large numbers of students. Both campus safety and police have urged peaceful protest.
More updates will follow as the situation develops.