Students of the Kapsk Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) returned to classes on Monday after a prolonged break that suspended academic activities. The resumption of classes signifies the restart of the educational process for students and staff across the entire educational institution.
The return to studies occurred after CPUT adjusted its 2026 academic calendar to compensate for teaching time lost during the stoppage. The university stated that the revised study plan depended on the resumption of academic activities specifically on Monday.
The disruption began in August when students started protesting due to financial issues. These issues included disagreements regarding the Financial Recovery Plan proposed by the university, as well as registration fee payment questions.
Following the escalation of protests at some CPUT campuses, CPUT suspended its academic program on August 18. Students residing in university dormitories were ordered to vacate them while the university assessed the security situation.
The protests also led to damage to university infrastructure. CPUT reported at the time that the damage was estimated at over 1 million rands, including the Bellville campus building, which was set on fire.
The situation prompted intervention from the Department of Higher Education and Training, which dispatched a delegation of ministers to mediate between student leaders and university management. This department condemned the destruction of university infrastructure, violence, and intimidation, while CPUT welcomed this intervention as a means of restoring calm and resuming the curriculum.
Subsequently, the university focused on repairing the damaged infrastructure and preparing the campuses for the return of students. By early September, CPUT announced that it remained on schedule to resume academic activities on Monday.
Furthermore, CPUT had to modify the curriculum to make up for approximately three weeks of lost instruction time during the break. The academic year is expected to extend until December as the university works to compensate for the lost teaching time.