Update on protest action at UCT

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) executive has noted the protest action by a group of students on Monday, 17 February 2025.

This emanates from issues regarding fee debt and student housing (including transit and vacation accommodation). UCT wishes to reiterate that measures have been put in place to support as many eligible students as possible, as outlined in the communication issued by the vice-chancellor on Friday, 14 February 2025.

• Read the VC Desk: Update on student accommodation and fee debt.

We acknowledge that students have the right to embark on peaceful and legitimate protest action on campus. Regrettably, access to upper campus was restricted and some lectures were impacted on Monday morning. Campus Protection Services were on site and attended to the various disruptive incidences across campuses.

We have therefore reached a decision to move some teaching to the online platform. Further updates will be provided by deans in collaboration with heads of departments. As the UCT executive, we regret the impact this has had on the university community, and appreciate the patience, tolerance and understanding shown so far.

UCT Libraries has pivoted to virtual services and will resume contact services in line with the resumption of lectures.

A reminder to all students that disruptive, violent and unlawful protest action, which would be in violation of the student code of conduct (Handbook 3, 2025) and the interdict granted in May 2023, will result in appropriate action by the university to safeguard the well-being of all staff and students.

While university operations will continue, staff members are advised to liaise with their line managers for specific work arrangements relating to their departments. The above arrangements will remain in place until further notice. The university will continue monitoring the evolving situation and will share updates as and when necessary.

Once again, the UCT executive remains committed to engaging with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to resolve any outstanding matters, while ensuring that the 2025 academic year can return to smooth operations as soon as possible.

Yours sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements