In May, Fedics (an external contractor that provides catering services to UCT residences) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with its employees, represented by the Independent Commercial, Hospitality and Allied Workers' Union (ICHAWU).

The MoA, negotiated through the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA), brought to an end a nine-day strike.

Despite the threat of disruption prompted by the strike, Fedics was able to provide near-continuous service to residence students over this period.

There were some incidents, however, notably when a group of Fedics employees illegally entered Tugwell and Leo Marquard residences, vandalised the dining rooms and kitchens, intimidated students and staff, and destroyed lunch-time meals.

In addition to on-campus security services, members of the South African Police Service - which patrolled the ICHAWU picketing off campus - also had to step in.

According to Moonira Khan, executive director of the Department: Student Affairs, Fedics is in the process of taking appropriate action. The MoA signed by ICHAWU and Fedics applies for the period 1 January to 31 December 2010.