In the same week that the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) sent Africa’s most powerful nanosatellite to space and 2,335 students graduated, Xolisa Phillip saw fit to publish alarmist accusations that the largest university in the Western Cape is failing (Failing universities face Pandor’s wrath, April 18). The issue certainly needs deeper evaluation than the convenient yet inaccurate synopsis that was presented. It is true that sporadic student protests in the past three years have stunted normal university functions. This was the case across the higher education landscape, and CPUT suffered consequences such as occasional academic and administrative shutdowns and immeasurable infrastructure damage. The concern of stakeholders — staff, students, parents and the Department of Higher Education and Training — was warranted, and through a series of tough decisions and a firm stance on student discipline, calm was restored. The 2017 academic year ended normally and 2018 rem...
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