CPUT Students Ordered to Vacate Residences Amid Student Debt Crisis

• CPUT students have been given until Wednesday to vacate their residences amid ongoing protests.
• The university's draft 2027 financial recovery plan, which had proposed that students pay up to R7,000 to register for the new academic year, has since been withdrawn.
• Student leaders are calling for an independent investigation into CPUT's conduct and accountability from officials responsible for decision-making.
• The situation at CPUT highlights the ongoing student debt crisis in South Africa, with thousands of students facing financial difficulties; while reported as R4.2-billion in May 2026, a CPUT spokesperson later stated the current student debt is R2.1-billion.

Student leaders insist that no student will vacate their residences on Wednesday, despite the university's order.

Thousands of Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students have been given until Wednesday to vacate their residences at campuses across the metro. This directive follows days of protests by students who are objecting to CPUT's draft 2027 financial recovery plan, which had proposed that students pay up to R7,000 to register for the new academic year, but has since been withdrawn by the university council. The protests have resulted in buildings being torched and property damaged. Student leaders insist that no student will vacate their residences on Wednesday, despite the university's order.

The situation at CPUT is further complicated by the fact that it has a significant student debt, which was reported as R4.2-billion as of May 2026, though a CPUT spokesperson later stated the current student debt is R2.1-billion. The university has also withheld about 16,200 certificates from students in arrears.

CPUT's decision to suspend academic activities and order students to vacate their residences raises questions about the university's handling of the situation. Lawyers advising students affected by the order should note that this may trigger a temporary disruption in academic progress, potentially impacting graduation timelines and student loan obligations. The university's statement on the matter suggests that all academic activities will end immediately due to violence during the protests.

However, student leaders have called for an independent investigation into CPUT's conduct, citing concerns about the university's management and finances. They also want officials responsible for decision-making at CPUT to be held accountable.

The situation at CPUT highlights the ongoing student debt crisis in South Africa. With thousands of students facing financial difficulties, the university's proposal to increase registration fees could exacerbate the problem. The protests and subsequent order to vacate residences also raise questions about the role of higher education institutions in addressing the needs of their students.

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has been called upon to intervene in the crisis, with student leaders submitting a 20-page memorandum outlining their demands for urgent action. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how CPUT and the government will respond to the concerns raised by students.

Lawyers advising students affected by the order should note that this may trigger a temporary disruption in academic progress, potentially impacting graduation timelines and student loan obligations.

Source: Original reporting via GroundUp