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The University of Cape Town (UCT) is facing growing unrest as students protest against fee blocks and housing shortages, with the Economic Freedom Fighters Students’ Command (EFFSC) strongly criticising the university’s handling of the crisis, Cape {town} Etc reports,

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 (SRC). The organisation labelled the decision as an unprecedented failure to support students, warning that it could result in thousands facing financial exclusion.

‘There have been multiple attempts to silence student leaders through intimidation tactics disguised as ‘consequence management”,’ the statement read. ‘The university cannot continue ignoring student voices only to suppress them when raised through alternative channels.’

A major grievance is the closure of vacation accommodation on 20 January, leaving many students without housing until term accommodations opened on 1 February. The EFFSC also pointed out the reduction of transit accommodation beds to just 150, forcing some students to sleep in SRC offices. Additionally, the introduction of the NSFAS Res Cap has further strained students’ ability to afford housing and tuition, despite them bearing the brunt of its impact.

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.

Last week, graffiti bearing the slogans #SizofundaNgeNkani and #FeesMustFall appeared on the stairs where the Cecil John Rhodes statue once stood. The EFFSC clarified that while no organisation sanctioned the graffiti, it was a desperate plea for the university to acknowledge student grievances rather than punish those expressing frustration.

‘We believe that media statements and closed-door engagements between management and student representatives have failed UCT students,’ the EFFSC said. They called for immediate mediation to prevent the academic calendar, set to begin tomorrow, from being severely disrupted.

Meanwhile, UCT’s leadership issued a statement welcoming students back to campus and acknowledging the likelihood of protests marking the 10th anniversary of the Rhodes Must Fall and Fees Must Fall movements.

With students blocking entrances to the campus as of this morning, tensions are expected to escalate unless swift action is taken.

The EFFSC has vowed not to pacify students with false assurances of progress, urging the university to take responsibility and work towards a resolution.

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Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images

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