Central SA
CUT and SRC reach agreement to reopen Welkom campus─── REFILWE BEKANE 16:00 Mon, 20 Apr 2026
The Central University of Technology (CUT) and the Student Representative Council (SRC) have reached an agreement to end the protest action at the Welkom Campus.
Academic activities and campus operations have been scheduled to start on Monday (20/4). This decision follows several meetings between university management and student leaders after a period of unrest.
The university had closed the Welkom campus on Thursday and Friday to allow for discussions between the parties. CUT spokesperson Seithati Semenokane said during these talks, the SRC consulted with the student body to receive a mandate for negotiations.
“The university respects the right to peaceful protest; however, this must be exercised within the bounds of the law and with due regard for the rights of others to access education and work in a safe environment,” said Semenokane.
One of the primary issues addressed during the meetings was student housing. The university has agreed to submit a letter to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
This letter asks for permission to allow funded students to stay in non-accredited private accommodation while the university verifies accredited options. A joint team of staff and students will now work together to check the quality of these accredited buildings.
Additionally, the SRC and the protesting students will submit a formal list of demands to the executive management. Both sides have agreed to set a specific timeframe for the university to respond to these demands.
While the university has reopened the campus, a legal order remains in place.
“An interim court interdict granted on Thursday (16/4) remains in full force to safeguard the university community and ensure continuity of academic and operational activities,” said Semenokane.
The situation began when students started a protest that led to the suspension of all university functions last week. Management stated the closure was necessary to keep people safe and to start a dialogue.
Now that the meetings have concluded with specific resolutions, the university expects all members of the campus community to return to their duties. The administration has asked students and staff to follow the law and help restore stability to the Welkom campus so that the academic year can continue.
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