Tensions high as UCT interdict kicks in
UCT is facing escalating unrest as students protest against fee blocks and housing shortages, signalling a turbulent start to the 2025 academic year.
In a statement released yesterday, UCT’s Faculty of Humanities dean, Professor Shose Kessi, acknowledged the potential for significant disruptions, noting that this year marked the 10th anniversary of the Rhodes Must Fall and Fees Must Fall movements.
As student groups gathered to block campus entrances and demand action on unresolved fee debt, the university has warned that classes may be cancelled or moved online in response to the growing protests.
The Daily Maverick reports that an interdict was yesterday enacted that prohibits students from ‘participating in, or inciting others to participate in any unlawful conduct and/or unlawful protest action at any of UCT’s properties’.
Despite this, many students continued to march.
SRC president Thando Lukhele told university Vice-Chancellor Mosa Moshabela that students were merely gathering, not protesting. But should their demands not be met, students could mobilise in protest.
On Saturday, the UCT SRC issued an open letter to the university’s executive, voicing its collective concerns and outlining expectations surrounding the critical issues affecting both students and the wider UCT community.
As key stakeholders in the institution’s academic and social fabric, the SRC emphasised the need for their voices to be heard and their grievances addressed with both urgency and commitment.
‘The challenges we face, ranging from financial barriers, accommodation shortages, mental health support, and academic policy concerns, have remained persistent year after year, and we have noted that they have even regressed annually with no meaningful resolution,’ read the letter.
DM notes that the SRC called for UCT to prioritise expanding accommodation relief rather than focusing on removals and eviction notices.
It demanded that the university provide immediate housing solutions while working to increase student housing capacity.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
