The South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC) intends to inspect the University of Cape Peninsula (CPUT) laboratories in Tigerberg, Bellville next week as part of the institution's accreditation of the dental technology program.
This was reported by SADTC President Peter Owen during a presentation concerning the petition from CPUT students regarding this matter, which was submitted to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Executive Mandates and Petitions on Wednesday evening.
This inspection follows the Western Cape High Court's rejection of CPUT's urgent attempt to halt the council's actions, which had requested consent from Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to suspend the program pending a review in the Gauteng province.
SADTC insists on suspending the program because the university does not meet the accreditation requirements for its laboratories after relocating the facility from Tigerberg Hospital.
Student return depends on accreditation and assessments
Presenting a report to the committee, Owen stated that the court ordered a re-inspection of the laboratories, and CPUT cannot refuse participation in regulatory processes. He added that students will be able to resume the program after the laboratories are registered, and CPUT has agreed to a joint assessment of final practical examinations.
He specified, 'The Council will inspect the laboratories on October 5, 2026. Even if the laboratories are approved, the issue of joint assessments remains open and will prevent students from registering with the council.'
CPUT dental students have not received education or training since October 2025, when SADTC closed the 'illegal laboratories' that the university established after ceasing tenancy at Tigerberg Hospital, and the institution failed to consult the Higher Education Council and SADTC when relocating facilities.
For many years, the institution has not enrolled new students and now has students who have not yet graduated, awaiting practical exams amid a protracted dispute with SADTC over accreditation.
CPUT challenges SADTC's position
CPUT Head of Dentistry, Marlene Bezuidenhout, confirmed that the institution is complying with regulatory processes according to the court order. She reported that the judge ordered SADTC to conduct another laboratory inspection for registration in the first week of October.
Bezuidenhout also noted that CPUT presented its position to SADTC as required by the court. She emphasized that CPUT previously held approval from the Higher Education Council, which endorsed their dental technology program, as well as certificates from the City of Cape Town and the South African Health Professions Council.
'We must get registration for the laboratories so that students can continue and complete their qualifications as they deserve. CPUT's current assessment methods remain valid,' she stated.
Bezuidenhout believes that universities should continue to certify students and postgraduate students in accordance with their statutes and senate, and SADTC should maintain its role as an observer of the examination process.
SADTC stopped registering graduating students and requires participation in their final year assessments. According to Owen, CPUT refuses to meet the accreditation conditions regarding the assessment of final practical examinations. Owen noted that 'the Council proposes that in the interim period and before the conclusion of the legal case, CPUT agrees to a joint assessment.'
Parliament orders further mediation
Members expressed concern that this issue has dragged on for years, and CPUT and SADTC have failed to find a solution despite unsuccessful mediation attempts. DA member Mimmi Gondwe stated that they need to help the affected students and expressed doubts about legal action.
Committee Chairperson Dianne Kohler Barnard said, 'Students are suffering because no one can find a compromise. There are many mutual accusations here.' The committee instructed the Department of Higher Education to organize another round of mediation and provide a report in two weeks.
Future developments will depend on whether the hearing of the petition proceeds amidst ongoing litigation involving other universities, including the University of Durban and Tshwane University of Technology.
