News Desk Reporter
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has ordered his department to intervene at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
The move follows a shutdown triggered by an arson attack at the Bellville campus. The incident has disrupted teaching, learning and other essential university services.
A team from the University Education Branch will bring university management, Council and student leaders together for urgent talks.
Students have raised concerns about the proposed 2027 financial plan, historical debt, registration requirements, residence fees and conditions, as well as academic records.
Manamela condemned the destruction of university property, violence and intimidation. He also acknowledged students’ right to raise concerns about access to education and campus conditions.
“The immediate priority is to bring the parties around the table, establish the facts and find a way forward that allows the academic programme to resume,” Manamela said.
“Students have a right to raise legitimate concerns about their access to higher education. Those concerns must be heard and addressed through constructive engagement.”
He said students and staff should be able to study and work without fear.
The departmental team will establish the facts behind the grievances. It will identify issues that can be resolved immediately and help the parties agree on a clear timeline for outstanding matters.
Manamela welcomed the withdrawal of the draft financial plan. He described it as an opportunity for the university and student leaders to reset their engagement.
“We cannot allow an impasse to become a permanent disruption to the academic year. We need responsible leadership from all sides and a commitment to resolving these matters through dialogue rather than confrontation,” he said.
The minister has urged management, Council and student leaders to work with the department as efforts continue to restore teaching, learning and normal university operations.