DASO UCT condemns disruptions to the academic year

17 February 2023

The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) strongly condemns the academic disruptions taking place on campus this week.

The 2023 academic year was meant to start on Monday, 13 February, but what seems to be an annual occurrence of student protests has left many uncertain about the academic year once again.

Students continue to be adversely affected by the decision of the Student Representative Council (SRC) to disrupt classes on campus, especially those who do not have access to online learning. These are students who need access to the library and computer labs, and they are students who spend money taking public transport.

The failure of the SRC and UCT management to ensure uninterrupted academic activity and to engage in productive discussion, is not surprising.

DASO-UCT stands in solidarity with deserving students who are affected by fee blocks that prevent them from registering or being placed in student accommodation.

We call for an end to the disruption on campus and urges the SRC to protest peacefully without hindering students from attending classes.

DASO-UCT will engage with various stakeholders, including UCT management and DA Members of Parliament in the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, to propose lasting solutions to the ongoing fees crisis students are facing at institutions of higher learning across South Africa.

Issued by Rodney Cameron, DA Councillor, DASO UCT, 17 February 2023