Students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology were forced to sleep on the streets after being evicted from their accommodation. This follows their lease agreements being terminated and an alleged court interdict.
Ndumiso Davsidson, the chief executive of the privately owned property explained that, the eviction follows after students’ protest which led to criminal charges which includes arson, public violence, and malicious intent to damage property.
Nine students were charged and asked to leave the accommodation premises on Sunday.
“The eviction must be seen in context. These students are accused of a range of criminal activities including damage to property, public violence, arson, and interfering with the operations of the residence,” said CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley.
Protests were sparked by students wanting their issues to be undertaken by the University in response to Covid-19. Students were asking that health protocols be relaxed. In response to this the university explained that it had little or no control over the regulations.
The SA Union of students spokesperson also added that, ” If South Point couldn’t accommodate the students then they had no business accommodating them in universities”.
Kansley agrees with the decision taken against the students and further said that the rights of the majority of students and staff to live, study and work should never be threatened.
” A further six students were arrested on the 1st of September and are currently awaiting trail.”
