Cape Town - The student protests linked to the housing crisis at higher learning institutions across the country have spilled over onto the rugby field, with the opening 2025 Varsity Cup match between the University of Cape Town (UCT) Tigers and North-West University (NWU) Eagles postponed.

The teams were unable to take the field for the 4:45pm kickoff at the Green Mile in Cape Town on Monday, after many students sat right in the middle of the rugby field and refused to move.

There is currently a massive student accommodation crisis around the country, with students left stranded and some even sleeping on the streets.

On Monday morning, there were two protests in Cape Town, with students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) District Six campus and UCT demanding accommodation ahead of the start of the academic year.

The Varsity Cup match between UCT and NWU will now be played on Tuesday at an undisclosed venue.

It will also be played behind closed doors, possibly to safeguard the fixture from further disruptions.

“Due to protest action at UCT, the round 1 fixture between FNB UCT and FNB NWU has been rescheduled for Tuesday,” the official Varsity Cup account posted on X.

Scores of UCT students block the entrances to the Middle and Upper campuses in a protest against fee blocks and housing shortages. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers

“The game will take place at an undisclosed venue and will be closed to the public. For ticket refund enquires please contact the UCT rugby club.”

Meanwhile, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela in a statement on Monday said the protest action by students emanates from issues regarding fee debt and student housing (including transit and vacation accommodation).

He said measures have been put in place to support as many eligible students as possible.

“We acknowledge that students have the right to embark on peaceful and legitimate protest action on campus. Regrettably, access to Upper campus was restricted and some lectures were impacted on Monday morning.

Campus Protection Services were on site and attended to the various disruptive incidences across campuses.

“We have therefore reached a decision to move some teaching to the online platform. Further updates will be provided by Deans in collaboration with heads of departments. As the UCT executive, we regret the impact this has had on the university community, and appreciate the patience, tolerance and understanding shown so far.

“UCT Libraries has pivoted to virtual services and will resume contact services in line with the resumption of lectures.

“While university operations will continue, staff members are advised to liaise with their line managers for specific work arrangements relating to their departments. The above arrangements will remain in place until further notice. The university will continue monitoring the evolving situation and will share updates as and when necessary.

“Once again, the UCT executive remains committed to engaging with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) to resolve any outstanding matters, while ensuring that the 2025 academic year can return to smooth operations as soon as possible.”

Cape Argus