Exams underway as UCT and students sign ‘peace deal’

The University of Cape Town and student groups have agreed to a tenuous peace deal that could see the completion of the current academic year despite earlier disruptions.

“These principles can lead to a de-escalation of the tensions, end the cycle of protests and counter-actions, limit the need for private security and create the conditions where the 2016 academic year can still be completed by all students,” the 6 November agreement states.

Under the deal, UCT grants clemency to students expelled during earlier protests. The amnesty does not extend to transgressions after 6 November. The agreement also allows UCT to step back on this promise should academic activities be disrupted in future “where no clear evidence is demonstrated that concerted efforts were taken to prevent such actions”.