Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has stepped in to address the escalating crisis at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), following an arson attack at the institution’s Bellville campus.
The Old Education Building was set alight on Monday evening, prompting CPUT to shut down all campuses and evacuate students from university residences.
The incident comes amid growing tensions over proposed changes to financial clearance policies and registration requirements for the 2027 academic year.
Manamela has condemned the attack and directed a departmental team to urgently facilitate talks between CPUT management, the university council and student representatives.
“The burning of buildings and destruction of university property is completely unacceptable and places the lives of students, staff and members of the public at risk,” Manamela said.
He said dialogue was urgently needed to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
“We cannot allow disagreements over registration and financial clearance to descend into violence. All parties must come together and find a constructive solution through engagement.”
No injuries were reported in the arson attack. However, CPUT management warned that continued violence and damage to infrastructure could result in serious injuries or loss of life.
The university has suspended all academic activities until further notice and instructed staff to work remotely, while access to campuses has been limited to essential and selected support personnel.
Students living in university residences have also been instructed to vacate their accommodation by 4pm on Wednesday, 19 August.
Manamela said the department would continue monitoring developments closely and urged all stakeholders to prioritise the safety of the university community.
“The safety of students and staff must remain our collective priority. We call on everyone involved to exercise restraint and participate meaningfully in the talks aimed at restoring stability at CPUT.”
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