Group of students who were sleeping in CPUT's student centre placed in temp accommodation
After Tuesday's oversight visit to the District Six campus by the Higher Education Department, students who were still without accommodation were offered a temporary solution.
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
- University students
- Department of Higher Education and Training
FILE: Registered Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students awaiting accommodation stranded outside the District Six campus in Cape Town on 7 February 2025. Picture: Melikhaya Zagagana/EWN
CAPE TOWN - Around 80 students who were sleeping in the Cape Peninsula University of Technology student centre have been placed in temporary accommodation.
The group had been staying in the centre for a few weeks while waiting to find out if they would be given space at university-owned residences.
Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane made the decision to place them while they wait for a more permanent solution.
READ: CPUT SRC praised for working with university management to resolve student accommodation shortage
She stopped at the CPUT District Six campus on Tuesday as she was conducting oversight visits to a few institutions of higher learning.
CPUT spokesperson, Lauren Kansley, said that a short-term solution was decided upon and added that a long-term solution was being considered.
"CPUT management, SRC, NSFAS and DHET officials did a site visit of a few short-term accommodation offerings, and a decision was taken to move the students to Parow."
Kansley explained that there were different reasons why the students were in this situation.
"These applicants are students with varying eligibility criteria. Some are hoping to upgrade from their private accommodation to university-owned residences, others are academically excluded or are living in a 60m radius, some are returning students and have not been placed in residences because all university options are full."