At the start of the 2025 academic year, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town faced ongoing student protests over limited access to accommodation, an issue echoed across several South African universities.
Last month, more than 100 students were seen sleeping outside campus buildings while waiting for placement in university housing.
The situation escalated during the State of the Nation Address, where students demonstrated in an effort to draw national attention. Police were later deployed to monitor the protests. Although the university managed to secure permanent placements for some students and provided temporary shelter for others, a small group remains outside the campus, demanding support.
CPUT has stated that many of these students do not meet the eligibility criteria for accommodation.
According to the university, students must have achieved at least a 60% pass rate in the previous academic year, applied for residence in advance, and maintained a clean disciplinary record.
Despite repeated assistance, including temporary housing arrangements, the institution has now drawn a line.
Most of the students still protesting are senior students who have either not met academic progression standards, exceeded the maximum number of years allowed for study, or have disciplinary issues.
The university indicated that it can no longer provide further support to students who do not meet the requirements.
The group had previously been relocated to temporary spaces, including CPUT’s Catsville residence in Salt River, following an oversight visit by Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane.
At one point, they were housed in a media centre. However, as the academic year progressed and housing demands increased, the university asked them to vacate.
According to reports, a recent visit to the site found three students camping outside the campus on Hanover Street, sharing a modest meal near their luggage and blankets.
The students stated various reasons for their ineligibility, ranging from failing to meet the required pass rate to administrative delays in updating marks.
One student had a successful appeal but was still unable to secure a spot due to a lack of available space.
The students expressed concerns over the impact of the situation on their academic performance, saying they were forced to write exams without proper preparation or stable living conditions. For them, dropping out is not a viable option.
In response, CPUT reaffirmed that their focus remains on housing students who meet the required criteria.
The university also condemned attempts by the protesting group to disrupt campus services, including shuttle operations.
While those involved in the protest remain eligible to continue their studies, they will need to source accommodation independently.
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