Reaffirming Commitment to Dialogue with Students

01 | 04 | 2025

01 February 2025 

To all senior and incoming students at the Central University Of Technology, Free State

Collective Action to Advance Unity

In my previous communication, I reflected on the challenges of higher education enrolment, particularly the balance between institutional sustainability and ensuring access for students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. While access remains a priority, we must also uphold responsible policies that allow the university to function effectively.

I sincerely appreciate the students who have remained calm and engaged with the university through constructive dialogue. Even in difficult times, mutual respect remains essential. True progress can only be achieved through open discussions and collaboration.

Activism and Meaningful Engagement

Students have the right to express their concerns, and the university fully supports open dialogue as a path to solutions. However, the events at the Boet Troskie Hall on Thursday, 30 January 2025 occurred despite the university keeping its doors open for engagement. Such disruptions negatively affect the institution and do not align with our shared goal of building a stronger CUT community.

Activism should be exercised responsibly. When it disrupts others' rights and university operations, it risks undermining the credibility of student organisations. I encourage all students to work with us towards solutions that improve CUT, ensuring that activism strengthens our institution rather than disrupts it.

Mitigating Registration Challenges

I have committed to working closely with the SRC and university offices to address registration challenges within the approved university guidelines. On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, we met with the SRC, identified key enrolment concerns, and reached agreements that support both students and institutional sustainability.

The CFO’s Office and Academic Administration will soon communicate the specifics of these agreements to all students. If any clarity is needed, I encourage you to engage with the SRC, the Office of Student Governance, or the Dean of Students.

Classes begin on Monday, 03 February 2025. As of Friday, 31 January 2025, overall registrations are 79.10% complete, with first-year registrations at 101.73%. We now enter course control week (3–7 February 2025), during which final registrations will be processed, and students can make changes to their programmes and modules.

Student Housing Provision

The university acknowledges the urgent need for accommodation, and we are actively working with stakeholders to implement solutions. Common areas have been made available within residences, and Campus Protection Services is assisting with transport to designated housing locations.

To ensure student safety, I strongly advise against sleeping in areas not allocated for accommodation. If you require assistance, reach out for guidance.

We also recognise the challenges faced by unfunded students and are exploring sustainable ways to support them. Additionally, the Meal-a-Day Program will resume soon, with the SRC engaging in its implementation.

A Call for Cooperation

Collaboration is key to ensuring a stable and supportive learning environment at CUT. The university remains committed to finding solutions through dialogue, not disruption.

It is with hope that our dialogue will pursue a new future and culture for CUT without adopting to conflicts that are not in the spirit of building the image of the university.

Pursuing activism requires certain level of taking responsibility and promote human rights

Issued by
Dr B.K. Sebake
CUT's Dean of Students