CPUT students threaten to strike back violently

Private security guards are monitoring the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's Cape Town campus. The campus has been surrounded by barbed wire. Photo: Henk Kruger / ANA

Private security guards are monitoring the Cape Peninsula University of Technology's Cape Town campus. The campus has been surrounded by barbed wire. Photo: Henk Kruger / ANA

Published Oct 21, 2017

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Some Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students have vowed to “show flames” following the reopening of the institution's campuses on Wednesday.

Two weeks ago, activities at the university's campuses were suspended indefinitely after more than a month of disruptions student protests arson attacks and clashes with police and private security.

A strong police contingent and private security were present during the celebrations of the National Health Education and Allied Workers Union's (Nehawu) 30th birthday where Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was the main speaker at the Bellville campus on Friday. 

The Cape Town campus remains fenced by barbed wire.

 According to the university, “part of the security plan, aimed at making campuses safe, includes residence room searches being carried out". 

The random searches “have proven to be the nexus of illicit activities” and proved that “illegal and dangerous items were being harboured in rooms”.

According to CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley, petrol bombs, used smoke grenades, used stun grenades, rubber bullets as well as illegal drugs were found in rooms. 

Vetus Schola private security will remain on site until matters have returned to normal.

However, Kansley confirmed to Weekend Argus there had been “sporadic incidents of cars being stoned but we have identified a secure area which is being heavily guarded by security”.

Students, who spoke to Weekend Argus on condition of anonymity, said: “We have spoken to (acting vice-chancellor Chris) Nhlapo. He doesn’t listen; we will show him flames. We want him to see cars fly, but everything we do from now is done underground, we cannot afford to be seen and we cannot be very vocal about our plans”.

At the heart of the students’ gripes are the contracts of in-sourced staff and the suspension of the CPUT student leaders Sivuyise Nolusu Neo Mongale, Lukhanyo Vangqa and Ayakha Magxotwa who were accused of disrupting a council meeting on August 18 at the institution.

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Weekend Argus

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