The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) has moved all of its academic activities online and evacuated most of its students occupying residences amid discussions to resolve issues cited in the student protests.
In a statement released on Monday, the institution said that most students who were evacuated have arrived home safely, with some of them still in transit.
“The emergency evacuation was always guided by the utmost appreciation for the safety and security of our staff and students,” they said in the statement. A total of 52 buses were made available to transport students back home, according to the statement
According to CPUT spokesperson, Lauren Kansley, the evacuation was necessary to ensure the safety of students, “many of whom were intimidated and bullied by protesters.”
However, the Student Representative Council (SRC) says that students will be disadvantaged by the evacuation, due to a lack of access to the internet for many students. They also claimed that the interdict against the protestors was an intimidation tactic and that they plan to apply to march to the NSFAS offices to continue discussions.
The protests were largely driven by concerns about the discontinuation of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), allowances and a lack of accommodation.
Student protestors engaged in week-long demonstrations whereby two buildings on the Bellville campus were torched, and much of the institutions infrastructure was damaged. At the height of the demonstrations, protestors also attacked police officers and set several cars alight.
Done by: Thaakiera Ackerdien
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