CPUT opens amid security
Some students feel ‘vulnerable’
THE MUCH anticipated confrontation between security and students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) didn’t materialise on the first day of the opening of the institution which was closed because of violent protests. Students at the Cape Town campus held a mass meeting metres away from the institution under the watchful eyes of security guards and police.
“We are gathered here today as students because we feel vulnerable in our own institution. We are calling for a university assembly where there will be an independent mediator and stakeholders to address our challenges.
“We are calling for the removal of private security personnel and an end to financial exclusion. Management told us instead of having assembly we must send five leaders to represent students and we are refusing. The last time leaders agreed to have a meeting four of them were suspended,” a student said.
The Bellville campus also held its own mass meeting. Students waited outside the administration building for management to give them answers after they asked that the university close until the assembly sits.
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said: “Classes will resume today and the Bellville and Cape Town campus libraries will extend their opening hours, from Monday to Thursday, until 11pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, term hours will apply. This is effective immediately until November 30. The rest of the CPUT library sites will follow normal operating hours.
“Today (yesterday) the institution reopened successfully and apart from a few minor incidents, classes and work were able to continue uninterrupted thanks to a strong SAPS and private security presence.
“Any incidents of intimidation or disruption of classes should be reported to your HOD (head of department),” she said to students.