Academic activities at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) have moved online amid ongoing student protests.
Also read: Update: CPUT students escalate protests despite being ordered to vacate
Students engaged in week-long demonstrations after the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced a new rule that threatened to defund students enrolled in courses that are under 60 credits.
As per EWN, students were removed from their campus residences over the weekend in an effort to mitigate demonstrations. A total of 52 buses were hired to transport them to their homes.
According to the university’s management, the ‘emergency evacuation’ was ‘always guided by the utmost appreciation for the safety and security of our staff and students. We appeal to our CPUT community to continue to reject fake news which attempts to distort the reality and create fear. We believe that the mass take-up of the offer of free transport is proof that the majority of CPUT students reject protest action and want to focus on their studies without being intimidated and bullied to participate in violent and criminal demonstrations.’
A response from the Student Representative Council (SRC) is pending.
Also read:
Video: CPUT protests turn hostile, buildings set alight and private cars torched
Picture: Google Maps