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PHUTI MOSOMANE
THE University of Cape Town (UCT) has confirmed that a group of students have disrupted lectures on upper campus on Wednesday over fee payment blocks and student accommodation.
“These acts of disruptions are unlawful in terms of the interim interdict granted by the Western Cape High Court on Friday, 17 February 2023. As a result, the relevant members of the executive have alerted the SAPS, who will intervene and respond to these disruptions,” the university said in a statement.
The Cape Town High Court granted an interdict on the 17th of February 2023, barring further violent protests, protecting infrastructure and students who wish to learn without disruption and move about freely on campus without intimidation.
The University said it is upholding the right to legitimate protest, but will act against any unlawful activities.
“The executive further remains committed to a process of engagement over any issues, noting that an array of measures has been put in place already to enable over 4 000 students with fee blocks to register for the 2023 academic year.”
“Only a few classes have been disrupted. The rest of the classes have continued. Where practically possible, classes scheduled for the remainder of the day are to continue while the executive activates measures to respond to the unlawful disruptive acts,” it said.
On Tuesday, UCT Student Representative Council (SRC) held a mass meeting in which it told students that the university council and its executives are prepared to let the future of 7 435 fee blocks come to an end.
“The SRC refuses to allow so many of our fellow students to fall deeper into the cycle of poverty. We will peacefully demonstrate and stand together as students against oppression. We have vowed to leave no student behind,” it said.
UCT SRC said it had a five-hour meeting with the University Council on Monday “in which the proposal to lift fee blocks was not accepted”.
It accused the university of having no care for poor and black students who are unable to afford the exorbitant costs (tuition and accommodation fees).
The DA in the Western Cape strongly also condemned the “illegal protests” currently underway at the University of Cape Town.
“We firmly support the Acting Vice Chancellor’s request that SAPS immediately respond to the matter and bring the protest under control. Today we have seen aggravated disruption and assaults on students. We hope to see the SAPS regain control and protect this institution and its students so learning may continue undisturbed.”
“Although we acknowledge their right to protest, they must do so peacefully and follow necessary protest action procedures,” DA Councillor in the City of Cape Town, Yusuf Mohamed, said.
Chairperson of the Portfolio committee on higher education Nompendulo Mkhatshwa said the committee remained concerned by the broader policy.
“Structural issues such as funding for the missing middle and thus implores once again on the DHET to finalise its work on the Ministerial Task Team on Student Funding and submits its report to the committee.”
INSIDE EDUCATION