Dear Staff and Students The Executive Committee (Exco) of Council held a special meeting on Thursday, 13 October 2016 on the current developments at the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT). Exco noted the deliberations of a meeting with the Students’ Representative Councils (SRCs) of both the Bloemfontein and Welkom campuses, the Student Parliament, involving all student leaders from the various student political affiliations, and the Higher Education Parents Dialogue Forum that was held on 10 October 2016. Exco of Council hereby declares in-principle support of the following: Free quality education for academically deserving, financially needy students, as well as the missing-middle students; However, students are urged:

• to protest peacefully;
• not to intimidate fellow students and staff;
• not to damage any University infrastructure and property; and
• to take care of their academic futures.

The student body is further requested to note that the vast majority of CUT students will not be affected by the 8% increase in fees for 2017.   

Cllr Mike Mohohlo Chairperson of Council   

See Statement, 14 October 2016 (PDF)