The University of Cape Town (UCT) is facing widespread student protests over fee blocks, insufficient housing, and alleged suppression of student voices. The Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) condemned the administration's refusal to lift fee blocks or provide concessions for 2025, citing it as an unprecedented failure to support students. Protests escalated with students blocking roads, sheltering in SRC spaces, and engaging in graffiti, demanding immediate mediation to prevent further disruption to the academic calendar.
In a statement issued today, the UCT EFFSC condemned the administration’s refusal to lift fee blocks or provide fee concessions for 2025, following weeks of negotiations with the Student Representative Council . The organisation labelled the decision as an unprecedented failure to support students, warning that it could result in thousands facing financial exclusion.
In recent weeks, protests over these issues have erupted across the province. To alleviate hardships, student organisations, including the EFFSC and the SRC, have provided mattresses, blankets and food to affected students. However, UCT management has ordered students sheltering in SRC spaces to leave, further fuelling tensions.appeared on the stairs where the Cecil John Rhodes statue once stood.
STUDENTPROTESTS FEEBLOCKS HOUSINGSHORTAGE UNIVERSITYOFCAPETOWN SOUTHAFRICA
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
CPUT Students Protest Over Accommodation CrisisHundreds of students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town are protesting a severe shortage of on-campus accommodation. Many students have been left stranded outside the university, forced to sleep in open spaces or university buildings, while some residences remain empty. Students accuse the institution of failing to provide adequate housing and criticize the university's handling of the situation, including the deployment of police.
Read more »
CPUT students protest against their 'dire' accommodationOver 200 Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students still waiting for accommodation gathered a stone-throw away from where President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA) in the City Hall on Thursday night. They highlighted the ongoing accommodation crisis at the institution.
Read more »
Former Malaika Star Tshedi Mholo Bags a Paralegal Practitioner Qualification From UCTThe South African award winning former Malaika singer Tshedi Mholo recently shared on social media that she had bagged another qualification from UCT.
Read more »
SIU Recovers R2 Billion for NSFAS, But Billions Still OutstandingThe Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has recovered R2 billion on behalf of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), uncovering irregular payments to students across South Africa's higher education institutions. While this represents a significant step, billions of rands remain unaccounted for, directly impacting thousands of deserving students who lack financial support. The SIU presented findings to Parliament, highlighting categories of fraud, including 'double funded' students and those receiving both NSFAS funding and external support. Forensic accountant Lucas Letshela revealed recoveries from institutions like Wits (R450 million) and the University of Free State (R438 million), emphasizing the need for a refund policy for incorrectly funded students. The SIU also revealed instances of students defrauding the system using fake parental details, leading to inflated financial criteria for eligibility. Despite the recovered funds, a concerning R5 billion remains missing, paid to ineligible students, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of financial aid fraud.
Read more »
Makhadzi Assists Students with University Registration FeesSouth African singer Makhadzi has launched an initiative to help students struggling to afford university registration fees for the 2025 academic year. She announced the program on social media, urging students to apply with proof of acceptance and a brief explanation of their financial situation. Makhadzi, who experienced financial struggles herself during her education, aims to ensure that students' dreams of higher education are not hampered by financial constraints. She plans to provide both financial aid and mentorship to the selected students.
Read more »
Students face accommodation crisis amid start of academic yearCPUT District Six students face an accommodation crisis as delayed residence placements leave many stranded. Students have traveled to campus seeking urgent solutions, but the university advises residence access will only begin 48 hours before term starts.
Read more »