education
CPUT students ordered to vacate, yet protests continue to escalate
Despite the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s indefinite closure of all campuses, CPUT students continued to escalate protests despite being ordered to vacate. The police service had deployed officers to the outer perimeter of the Belhar Institute of Learning to maintain public order. Reports indicate that angry students attacked the police members, who then took action to disperse the unruly crowd. There were no reports of injuries or arrests.
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley stated they were unaware of any other student protests outside of those that occurred earlier this week and on Wednesday. However, she added that police officers were stationed on the grounds of each institution to prevent potential harm.
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However, students continued to escalate protests despite being ordered to vacate. CPUT had previously declared that all operations, including academic ones, had been suspended immediately and that all residences had to be empty by Friday at 4 pm.
The problem is due primarily to a new NSFAS funding requirement that any student enrolled in fewer than 60-course credits is no longer eligible for housing, living, and transportation assistance. The Student Representative Council has vowed to continue the protest and to apply for a march to Parliament and the NSFAS offices to meet with the Portfolio Committee of Higher Education and Training.
Source: Update: CPUT students escalate protests despite being ordered to vacate
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Picture: Twitter / ZusiveLande
