CPUT fee hike concerns lead to task team and student protest

The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) said it has created a task team to reach an agreement with students regarding concerns about potential adjustments to university fees.

The EFF Student Command (EFFSC) has threatened to protest at CPUT after raising concerns about the institution's proposed registration fees for tuition next year.

Earlier on Thursday, a group of EFFSC supporters halted shuttle services at CPUT's Cape Town campus for two hours before moving to the university's Bellville campus, where a memorandum was handed over.

CPUT management said the task team is discussing its potential adjustments to university fees as part of an ongoing process with students until an agreement is reached. The formation of the task team follows a meeting with the Student Representative Council (SRC) this week, where CPUT management presented a proposed Financial Control Plan to curb institutional debt.

The proposed plan includes introducing an application fee, increasing tuition and residence fees, and the reintroduction of a minimum initial tuition fee payment of R3,500.

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley said there are no approved plans to make any adjustments to the financial model of the institution.

"Management have transparently communicated to all staff and students twice that any decisions which may be taken regarding changes to financial processes must be agreed to by a multitude of stakeholders and ultimately our highest decision-making body, the CPUT Council, has final sign off."

Kansley said these matters are discussed during consultative processes, and no final decision has yet been made.