Student protests continue at the campuses of Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, driven by financial and academic grievances, leading to the suspension of classes in several campuses. Property damage occurred during nighttime unrest.
The main reasons for dissatisfaction are reportedly student debt burden, registration fees, accommodation costs, conditions in university hostels, and the withholding of academic transcripts.
These protests followed the submission of a second memorandum by students at the CPUT Bellville campus. This document was handed over after several days of mass gatherings and demonstrations concerning student finances, historical debt, and new university admission fees.
Students also expressed concerns that accommodation fees exceed the funding limit of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), forcing some CPUT students to cover the difference themselves.
On Wednesday evening, the CPUT Council withdrew its Draft Financial Recovery Plan for 2027. This decision was made at a special Council meeting following several days of student unrest and the submission of the second memorandum on Tuesday. The plan's withdrawal is intended to allow for further consultation. According to available data, the draft stipulated that returning students would have to pay up to 7000 rand for registration for the new academic year.
The issue of student debt continues to affect many South Africans. In May, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education heard alarming statistics. Parliament stated that the total outstanding debt in the post-school education system has reached 59 billion rand. Nearly half of this amount, specifically 29 billion rand, belongs to students receiving funding from NSFAS. Self-funded students contributed 26 billion rand, with the remaining amount being 12 billion rand in bad debt.
These figures were presented during a briefing conducted by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), Universities South Africa (USAF), and the South African Public Colleges Organization (SAPCO) regarding student debt and the withholding of student certificates in the post-school education and training system.
DHET reported that 165,000 qualification certificates are currently being withheld due to unpaid student debt, calling this figure 'alarmingly high.' The total number of certificates held by universities is 188,209. DHET noted that technological universities show the highest debt ratios, while traditional universities still carry significant absolute debt. DHET concluded that the statistics confirm that the student debt problem is systemic across the entire sector, rather than isolated to one category of institutions.
Student protests in Jharkhand are intensifying due to alleged irregularities in the 14th joint preliminary examination conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC). Amid continuous demonstrations, the government of Hemant Soren is facing pressure.
In response to the protests, the government formed a delegation of four ministers to negotiate with the students. However, the students insist that the meeting must take place directly with the Chief Minister. There is a high probability that the ministerial group will visit the protest site on Thursday to begin dialogue. According to state sources, if on-site negotiations do not occur, student representatives may be invited to a public venue.
Government considers canceling results
According to sources, given the growing dissatisfaction among students, the government is seriously considering the option of canceling the exam results. It is reported that this issue is being discussed at the government level, and an important decision may be made soon.
Meanwhile, Minister of Welfare Linda stated that the government has invited student representatives for a discussion. Nevertheless, the students have clearly stated that they do not agree to closed-door negotiations. Their demand is for Chief Minister Hemant Soren himself to hold a conversation with them. Furthermore, they require the presence of at least two media representatives during the dialogue to ensure the entire conversation is public and transparent. The government's position also indicates the possibility of holding talks in a public place.
Student demands: meeting with the Chief Minister in an open venue
One of the demonstrators stated: 'At our meeting last night, it was decided that we would go to negotiations with the government, although the time has not yet been determined. But we have one more demand. If the Chief Minister is willing to have a live meeting with us in an open area, in front of the media, then a concrete decision can be reached.' He added: 'We say this because in past actions of some of our comrades, they were taken to negotiations in a closed room, but no concrete result came out. We feel that they are trying to repeat the same attempt now. The government is calling a five-member delegation, but this looks like an attempt only to postpone or end the movement.'
The demonstrator emphasized: 'We do not want this. Our only demand is that if the Chief Minister wants to talk, he appears in an open area. We will accept that. Let him say whatever he wants in front of the cameras. If his proposal suits us, we will agree, and if not—we will not.'
Serious action by CID: arrest of five suspects
For its part, the Jharkhand CID, investigating the alleged irregularities in the JPSC exam, has taken significant steps by arresting five accused individuals. This operation was conducted in cooperation with the police from Ranchi and Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. The arrested individuals are Umakant Uranw, Roshan Kerketatta, Manoj Kumar, Rakshak Singh, and Dharmendra Kumar. According to CID information, Umakant Uranw is accused of fraud and misuse of undue means in taking the 14th preliminary JPSC exam, as well as acting as an agent providing these opportunities to other candidates. Roshan Kerketatta and Manoj Kumar are also accused of successfully passing the exam using undue means. Rakshak Singh, arrested from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, works as an accountant at TDPL, the company conducting the JPSC exam. The investigative agency claims that he also used fraudulent methods and undue means in the exam. Dharmendra Kumar was also detained in this case. The CID is currently questioning all the accused and is working to verify the entire network.
Protests will continue until a firm decision is made
Students state that their protests will continue until their demands receive a firm response. On the other hand, the government is trying to resolve the deadlock through dialogue. Consequently, all attention is focused on the proposed negotiations between the government and student representatives, as well as the government's potential decision regarding the JPSC exam results.
