Government resolution still pending for CPUT dental students amid accreditation issues
Dental students at CPUT say there is still no clear way forward as accreditation issues continue to disrupt their studies.
Image: File
Dental technology students at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) remain in limbo following a recent meeting with university management, which failed to provide a clear plan to resolve the ongoing accreditation crisis that has disrupted their studies for over a year.
A fourth-year student, who spoke on condition of anonymity and said they represent all 42 affected students, described the latest engagement as largely repetitive and lacking concrete solutions.
"Currently, there is no real update. There was a meeting on Tuesday, 21 April, with the dental science department and the deputy vice-chancellor, but they just told us the same thing we already know. So the matter is still not resolved," the student said.
The student added that while management indicated that classes could resume in June, there is little confidence that this will materialise.
"They indicated that classes may commence in June, but we are so doubtful and unsure if this will happen because approval is still required," the student said.
The uncertainty stems from the ongoing dispute between CPUT and the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC), which has maintained that the university’s dental technology programme remains suspended due to non-compliance with accreditation requirements, including the approval of laboratory facilities.
The council has warned that students graduating from a non-accredited programme may not be able to practise professionally.
According to students, management indicated during the meeting that the matter is now before the courts.
"The deputy vice-chancellor claims that they have taken the matter to court and filed a charge against the SADTC last week Friday," the student said, adding that external stakeholders, including the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Council on Higher Education, are expected to conduct a site visit to assess the new facilities for accreditation.
Despite this, the SADTC is understood to be standing firm.
"The SADTC stands firm that they can suspend the course until CPUT agrees to its terms," the student said.
Students also raised concerns about the broader impact of the crisis, noting that while first-year dental technology students have resumed classes, uncertainty remains high.
Frustration is also mounting among students who were previously suspended during the protests. One such student said they remain in the dark about their disciplinary status.
"I don’t know the charges that are against me. There is no communication about a hearing date. I am still in limbo. All I know is that I’m unsuspended but nothing else," the student said.
The dental technology students also indicated that further protest action is unlikely for now, citing declining support.
"Right now, it seems like there will not be student action since we have lost student support and SRC support."
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley, who attended the meeting, said students were provided with a detailed update on the situation and the way forward.
"At the meeting, students were given a detailed explanation of what has transpired so far and what we expect to happen moving forward," Kansley said.
She confirmed that, based on a timeline developed with the SRC, classes are currently scheduled to resume on June 8, although this may change depending on regulatory processes.
Kansley added that students were allowed to raise concerns and that alternative academic pathways are being considered.
"Those who are interested in changing courses were informed that this would be possible, and a commitment to assist in this regard was also given."
She also confirmed that CPUT has joined Durban University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology in a legal action against the SADTC, describing the regulator’s handling of the matter as unreasonable.
The latest developments follow earlier assurances from the Department of Higher Education and Training that a resolution was being sought. On Friday, April 10, 2026, the department indicated that Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube would meet with the Minister of Health to address the issue.
Several attempts to obtain an update from the Department of Higher Education and Training on the outcome of that meeting over the past few days have been unsuccessful.
SADTC had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.