The 2023 academic year at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is set to commence on Monday, 13 February 2023. However, the university revealed that disruptions are currently taking place on their upper and lower campuses.
These disruptions are affecting the university’s shuttle services. Staff and students who make use of the service are advised to make alternative transport arrangements.
UCT said, “Please note that due to disruptions on upper and lower campuses on Monday, 13 February 2023, UCT Shuttle services have been affected. Some services are currently operating but with alternative drop off points as a result of some roads being inaccessible".
UCT urges students and staff to make alternative transport arrangements to access campus.
While the UCT Student Representative Council (SRC) says the institution will be shut down, the university says it will proceed with operations as planned. Faculties and departments will communicate with students should the situation change.
“All other UCT operations are scheduled to proceed as planned. Faculties and/or departments will also communicate specific updates and instructions directly to students should disruptions affect teaching and learning plans” added UCT.
In a statement, The UCT SRC explained that the disruptions are related to student accommodation, fee blocks and issues pertaining to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).
The SRC requested an emergency meeting with the council and submitted several demands to the insulation. This mass meeting is set to take place at 12:00 on Monday, 13 February 2023 on the Graca Machel Lawns.
Here are the demands from the UCT SRC
- Lifting of Fee Blocks before the commencement of the 2023 academic year
- Reopening of the registration period for at least five (5) working days after the fee block is lifted
- Students who have been excluded from residences that are academically eligible to continue must be provided with student accommodation
- UCT must conduct a policy review in which fee blocks and financial exclusion are eradicated indefinitely
- The suspension of academic activity until fee blocks are lifted and the extended registrations have closed.
“...the SRC has a very clear view on fee blocks: they are a tool of oppression against Black and poor students and should be eradicated altogether. Too many students have been robbed of their right to education and are faced with financial exclusion” declared the SRC.
They have called on students to stand in solidarity with the SRC by not attending lectures.
The UCT executive will continue engaging with the SRC in an effort to resolve the issues. The university will provide further updates in due course.
