No CPUT students involved in a bus accident — Buti Manamela slams social media claims

Higher education deputy minister Buti Manamela has slammed claims that students from Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) died in a bus accident in Mossel Bay over the weekend.

Two bus crashed on the N2 between Mossel Bay and Voorbaai in the Western Cape on Saturday morning after a bus driver had complained of fatigue. At least six people were killed and about 32 others were injured.

In videos circulating on social media, passengers were seen jumping out the crashed buses’ windows. Children can be seen being helped out of the bus.

Some claimed one of the buses was transporting students from the university and they were among the casualties.

Manamela has since refuted the claims, saying he spoke to the university's vice-chancellor Prof Chris Nhlapo who indicated no students were involved in a bus accident.

“Prof Nhlapo indicated that there are no students from CPUT who were involved in a bus accident. The VC confirmed that they will be resuming talks with the SRC on Monday,” Manamela said.

“As much as student issues are legitimate, it’s unfortunate that three buildings were scorched, including student accommodation. Attempts to burn a library [were] foiled by when the fire was contained in the toilet.”

Students at the university last week protested over a new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) rule that threatens to defund students enrolled in courses with less than 60 credits.

NSFAS stated it stopped funding living allowances, transport, and accommodation for students enrolled in less than 60 credits courses.

Chaos broke out at the university and management ordered an immediate halt to campus operations and academic activities, telling students at residences to vacate the premises.

The university offered students free transport following the closure of campuses.

“The demand for buses far exceeded the initial estimate as thousands of students headed towards the major provinces. Buses continued to ferry students from residences to the central depot throughout Friday well into the evening,” it said.

“We are aware there are still some students remaining in residence who have indicated they now wish to leave. We reminded these individuals that the communicated cut-off time for the free transport was 4pm on Friday, this was later extended to 6pm.

"Unfortunately we will now not be able to include them in the current travel arrangement. Executive management will engage on a plan of action for those students still in residence.

“We are also aware of several fake news stories being published regarding CPUT contracted buses being involved in an accident. We need to state that no CPUT contracted bus has been involved in any accidents.

"We urge stakeholders to refrain from spreading fake news. This creates unnecessary panic and confusion and the originator, as well as those who spread this news, can be held legally liable.”