The Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) says the recent unrest at its campuses across the metro caused an estimated R400 000 in damage.

The unrest followed concerns over student finances and a proposed admissions fee.

Also read: CPUT Council Concedes To Protesters Demand As Violence Breaks Out Around Campuses

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley says maintenance teams have been working to clean up affected areas and secure parts of the campuses that were damaged or left vulnerable.

“This week internal maintenance teams started sweeping buildings and reinforcing points of illegal entry in an attempt to protect valuable infrastructure left vulnerable during this recent period of unrest. Some of the work undertaken included cleaning flooded buildings, cleaning the campus precincts of litter and burned rubbish, fixing gates and points of entry.”

Kansley says management has thanked the maintenance teams for their efforts to protect the university’s infrastructure and prevent further deterioration.

“We are grateful to our maintenance teams who embarked on this work in an effort to ensure that our campuses do not degrade further during this challenging time. We have valuable infrastructure, lab equipment and buildings which have existed for decades and need to continue being here to service the next generation of students.”

She says the university remains committed to providing students with safe and inspiring living and learning spaces.

“We hope that by proactively cleaning and tidying that our students see that we care about their safety and are willing to clean, tidy and secure what we can, despite the challenges.”