CPUT classes suspended as SRC protests for charges to be dropped

CLASSES at Cape Town campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) were suspended yesterday after protesting students brought the university to a standstill.

Student representatives met with the university management regarding the criminal charges against SRC chairperson Ayakha Magxotwa, demanding that the charges be dropped.

Magxotwa has been accused by the university of harassing and intimidating staff. “Acting vice-chancellor (Chris) Nhlapo is here accompanied by Professor Louis Fourie and registrar Ntsababa. We want the charges to be dropped,” Magxotwa said. He handed over a document to Nhlapo containing the charges of which he is being accused.

Nhlapo told the students the university could not afford another standstill with exams around the corner. “All parties need to reconcile; we must find a solution as soon as possible and we really need to find a way forward,” Nhlapo said.

Members of the SRC, who did not want to be named, said that it was not a protest, but a “time out” to support their chairperson, who is allegedly being victimised by university management.

“The disciplinary meeting was postponed today; we want an answer. We’re fully behind our chairperson,” SRC members said. Students who did not participate in the gathering expressed their disappointment at classes being interrupted.

“I have been here since eight this morning. I had an online test today, it’s a day wasted,” a retail management student said.

A second-year marketing student, who wished to remain anonymous, said police escorted them out of the building

“I don’t see the need for a standstill; I have already failed this year. Today’s lecture was important,” the student said.

Nhlapo sent a note to staff that campus security had evacuated the administration building after a group of protesting students forced their way up to the sixth floor.

“During the chaos, fire extinguishers were released and as a safety precaution staff were asked to leave their posts. “We kindly request that only staff based in that building liaise directly with line managers about working from alternative posts, eg home or another work station. Staff from other campuses are also asked to reschedule any meetings that may be taking place in the Cape Town administration building today. All other campuses are unaffected and work continues uninterrupted,” Nhlapo added.