College of Cape Town students protest food delivery delays and campus issues on August 12, 2025. Image: Radio786 shared via Facebook.
(The Post News)– A crowd of more than 150 College of Cape Town students was dispersed by police after they began blocking an entrance to the campus in protest.
Police responded to a scene on Kromboom Road, Athlone, this morning, where student protesters had gathered outside the campus. They used various objects to barricade the entrance and burned tires to prevent vehicles and pedestrians from accessing the premises.
Radio 786 reported on Facebook that the students protested over missed food deliveries to their residence, among many other issues. Officials and student bodies have not yet confirmed the exact nature of the additional complaints.
Local South African Police Services (SAPS) officers deployed to the scene actively worked to disperse the crowd and restore calm. “No one sustained any injuries,” confirmed police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi.
He also stated that police members did not fire any gunshots in the direction of the protesters. Police have registered the incident as a case of public violence and have not made any arrests so far.
This is not the first clash between the students and the institution. Last year, learners staged protests over an alleged shortage of lecturers. However, the then-acting campus manager, Marsha Solomon, denied the claims.
Earlier this year, tensions again flared when students threatened to shut down the college over concerns about deteriorating campus facilities.
The College of Cape Town has not addressed these allegations, leaving their validity unclear. The recurring student protests have raised broader questions about management and whether the institution can effectively address long-standing complaints about campus conditions.
Please share your thoughts; contact Lukhona via email: journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net.
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