CAPE TOWN - Calm has been restored at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) after the university suspended its academic programme until further notice.
The suspension follows a week of violent protests, including the torching of a building on Monday night. Damage is estimated at R2-million.
The university has also ordered students to vacate its residences by Wednesday. However, some students have refused to leave, citing financial constraints.
The protests were sparked by a proposed financial recovery plan put forward by the university. The plan has since been withdrawn.
"The intention of the institution was not to have violent evictions in any kind of way," said spokesperson Lauren Kansley.
"We achieved our aim, which was to de-escalate violence and calm overnight," she says.
Kansley says management remains open to engaging with student leaders should they request a meeting.
She says hundreds of students have already left the residences, while the university continues to engage with those who remain.