UCT students block entrances to main campus

Tensions are running high at the University of Cape Town as students have blocked three entrances to the campus in protest of the decision to fully reopen. Forbes Africa photojournalist, Jay Caboz, was on the scene to witness the demonstration unfold. The atmosphere was tense as a group of students clashed with a lone protester who urged them to disperse and allow the campus to resume its activities. Despite this confrontation, the group grew in numbers as they moved to the upper campus and disrupted lectures by setting off alarms. The students then continued to circle the campus, voicing their opposition to the reopening. Caboz commented on the growing racial tension in the protests, noting a lack of solidarity among the student body compared to previous movements such as the Fees Must Fall protests of last year. He highlighted the financial strain on universities, warning that without a resolution, the situation could escalate into a dangerous standoff. The unrest in Cape Town is part of a larger wave of protests across the country, with students demanding change and challenging authorities for a more inclusive and affordable education system. The future of the university hangs in the balance as students stand firm in their resolve to disrupt the status quo.