On Monday, UCT’s Student Representative Council (SRC) called on the student body at large to stand in solidarity by means of a campus-wide shutdown, which would result in suspended academic activity.
The SRC’s efforts to disrupt the start of the academic year intend to motivate the council to lift fee blocks and provide housing for students currently without it.
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The 2023 academic year at the University of Cape Town (UCT) was set to begin today, however, the university revealed that disruptions are currently occurring on their upper and lower campuses and affecting the university’s shuttle services.
Staff and students who make use of the service are advised to make alternative transportation arrangements.
UCT said, “Please note that due to disruptions on the upper and lower campuses on Monday, February 13, 2023, UCT Shuttle services have been affected. Some services are currently operating, but with alternative drop-off points as a result of some roads being inaccessible.”
While the UCT Student Representative Council (SRC) said that the institution would be shut down, the university has stated that operations will continue as planned. If the situation changes, faculties and departments will notify students.
“All other UCT operations are scheduled to proceed as planned. Faculties and/or departments will also communicate specific updates and instructions directly to students should disruptions affect teaching and learning plans,” added UCT.
The UCT SRC explained in a statement that the disruptions are related to student housing, fee blocks, and issues with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The SRC requested an emergency meeting with the council and made several insulation-related demands. In accordance with the mass meeting, which is scheduled for 12pm today, the SRC submitted several demands:
- Lifting of fee blocks before the commencement of the 2023 academic year.
- After the fee block is lifted, the registration period must stay open for at least five (5) working days.
- Students who have been excluded from residences that are academically eligible to continue must be provided with student housing.
- UCT must conduct a policy review in which fee blocks and financial exclusions are eradicated indefinitely.
- Academic work should be suspended until fee blocks are removed and extended registrations are no longer being accepted.
“The SRC has a very clear view on fee blocks: they are a tool of oppression against black and poor students and should be eradicated altogether. Too many students have been robbed of their right to education and are faced with a financial exclusion,” declared the SRC.
They have called on students to stand in solidarity with the SRC by not attending lectures.
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