The university’s spokesperson, Seithati Semenokoane, tells OFM News that CUT remains committed to solving higher education challenges and will do so through engagements based on trust, integrity, and mutual respect.  

Semenokoane says "NSFAS-approved and provisionally-approved students are not expected to pay enrolment or registration fees in advance. CUT will ensure that self-funded students, who meet the requirement of the missing middle, are allowed to register.  

"The university will also assist them to cover the portion of the fee increase which effectively means a 0% fee increase for these students."

These responses rise from student protests calling for a national shutdown as a result of encountering various difficulties with the registration process. Student Representative Council President, Moses Ntonyane, says students furthermore appeal that graduates - with outstanding fees - who have yet to be granted their qualifications, it remains an ongoing battle.

Ntonyane says that their fight for free education for all students will not stop unless student demands are met: “We want the processes at this university to be smooth, so that all the students can benefit from free education without prejudice."

Semenokoane says that the managerial body of CUT at the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses will continually engage with students, to ensure that the needs of students are met, and that operations commence.

OFM News/Lee Simmons and Lucky Nkuyane