Students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) who were instructed to evacuate residences after an arson attack at the Bellville Campus have asked the university to provide a flexible travel allowance of R2,000 per eligible student, saying mass shuttle arrangements may not meet their varied needs and could increase safety risks.
Evacuation leaves many facing uncertain journeys
According to reports, the university ordered students living in residences to vacate their rooms by 4pm following the total shutdown of the campus. Students, some of whom come from other provinces or rural areas, said they were concerned about being left at unfamiliar locations if transported partway by standard shuttle routes.
“At this stage, there has been no clear public communication confirming specific transportation arrangements for students.”
Students told reporters that while university shuttles had been used in past emergencies, those services may not reach the diverse destinations of thousands of learners. They say a cash or voucher-based approach would allow students to choose the safest and most appropriate mode of travel — long-distance bus, taxi, train or privately arranged lifts — and to cover reasonable meals en route.
Government steps in to facilitate talks
Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has directed a departmental team to facilitate urgent engagement between CPUT management, the university council and student leadership following the shutdown. The intervention signals the seriousness of the disruption and the need for rapid, co-ordinated solutions.
The students’ proposal asks the university to consider:
- Direct transport funding or vouchers rather than a single shuttle service;
- Allowance of R2,000 per eligible student to cover travel and reasonable meals;
- Special provisions for students from remote areas or other provinces who have no local support network.
Students expressed particular concern for those who might be left at transit hubs or unfamiliar towns if a shuttle only delivers passengers partway. They also stressed that many affected students do not have family in Cape Town to fall back on.
| Stakeholder | Role / requested action |
|---|---|
| CPUT management | Decide on transport funding, vouchers or shuttle deployment |
| Student leadership | Represent needs of displaced students; negotiate arrangements |
| Department of Higher Education and Training | Facilitate urgent engagement between parties (directed by Minister) |
Practical considerations for students and families
From a lifestyle and household-budget perspective, a R2,000 allowance would cover return bus or train fares for many long-distance routes and provide for two or three modest meals during travel. However, the effectiveness of a cash or voucher approach depends on speedy administration and transparent eligibility rules so the most vulnerable students receive support quickly.
Students and parents will be watching for clear public communication from the university about:
- How eligibility for any allowance will be determined;
- When and how payments or vouchers will be delivered;
- Safety measures for students who must travel immediately.
The request highlights wider issues that surface whenever campuses face sudden closures: how institutions balance logistics, student safety and fairness, and how quick, flexible support can prevent students from being further disadvantaged. The ministerial directive to facilitate talks aims to get those decisions made without delay.
As discussions proceed, students say swift, transparent guidance and pragmatic, budget-aware support will be crucial to helping them return home or reach safe accommodation while the university resolves the situation at Bellville Campus.
