A dispute between Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC) has left 42 dental technology students unable to graduate. Protests erupted on 8 April 2026 at the Bellville campus over halted studies since June 2025 and cancelled NSFAS funding. Students face lost job opportunities amid ongoing accreditation issues.
Forty-two dental technology students at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) are in limbo due to a protracted dispute with the South African Dental Technicians Council (SADTC) over programme accreditation and facilities. The conflict has prevented proper studies since June 2025, leading to the cancellation of NSFAS funding for many students and mounting debts.
Frustration peaked on 8 April 2026 with protests at the Bellville campus that halted university shuttles. A final-year student, speaking anonymously, lamented lost job prospects: “Last year, I got a job opportunity... Now, come April, I still won’t graduate. That means that I’ve lost out on that job opportunity.” Another anonymous student highlighted the cohort's isolation amid the deadlock.
SADTC President Peter Owen wrote to CPUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Nhlapo on 31 March 2026, stating the programme remains unaccredited until conditions like concurrent student registration and joint exam oversight are met. Nhlapo expressed shock, claiming no prior notice of suspension and that the university awaits compliance for its new Tygervalley site.
CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley asserted the programme is accredited by the Council on Higher Education and accused SADTC of overreach, warning of a potential national oral health emergency. The matter has been escalated to ministerial level. In contrast, Tshwane University of Technology confirmed its similar programme is fully accredited by SADTC.