Cape Peninsula University of Technology has shut all its campuses until further notice and ordered students to vacate university residences following days of violent unrest and damage to university property.

The drastic decision was announced on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, after a building at the university’s Bellville campus was set alight on Monday evening.

CPUT said fire officials responded to a blaze at the Old Education Building, which the university described as the latest arson incident to affect its campuses.

The shutdown follows several days of disruption during which university property across multiple campuses was damaged.

According to the university, reported damage includes broken windows, a burnt vehicle, damage to a classroom, flooded buildings, damaged health and safety equipment, perimeter fencing and security infrastructure. The recently restored Ikamva Building and a cafeteria were also reportedly damaged.

Students have been instructed to leave university residences as management attempts to stabilise the situation.

Essential workers and selected support staff needed to maintain critical operations are expected to be contacted directly by their line managers.

The shutdown comes amid protests linked to student concerns including funding and student debt. Students have also marched to Parliament, where a memorandum setting out their demands was handed over.

The decision to clear residences is expected to affect students who live far from Cape Town and those who may have limited access to alternative accommodation.

Questions are also likely to intensify over how long academic activities will remain suspended and what arrangements will be made for affected students.

CPUT has not yet announced when normal campus operations will resume.

The situation remains developing.

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