UCT students slam poor and rotten food at the PICS

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The students complained of “flies coming out of food” and “random small pieces, which seem that it could be rodents”.

Editor’s note: This article was updated on 23 May 2025 to include the response from the UCT.

Students of Cape Town (UCT) have allegedly raised an alarm on poor quality food, which is being served in residences, a claim that the university has disputed.

There were many complaints about allegedly bad milk, hair, insects and plastic in the food. Rodents were also allegedly seen in the dining hall.

The South African student Congress (SASCO) recently submitted a memorandum of demand to the university, underlining alleged complaints with catering services.

‘UCT food is making us sick’

A student of the Fuller Hall Niwas, Naveen Gray (name changed to protect identity) described the situation as serious, pointing to several incidents that have reduced the health and dignity of the students.

Gray said, “There is a food that has deteriorated or found rodents. Especially at the Rochester House residence, there are rodents in the dining hall,” Gray said. citizen,

An insect was allegedly found among the food served in one of the UCT residences. Picture: Supplied

Gray said how the students experienced “bad milk in the days” and had reduced or overcooked food.

“I personally found hair in my food (…) There were times when the food was not just better, because the option was hungry.”

Poor quality of food served in UCT residences. Picture: Supplied
Moldi roti was served in UCT. Picture: Supplied

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UCT responds

Talk to citizen On Friday, UCT spokesperson Eliza Moholola said the institution had accepted the memorandum of Ssco, but was not aware of any recent concerns about the diet of the residence.

He said that some images shared were broadcast on social media several months ago, and the issues were addressed at that time.

He reiterated that any pre -incidents were immediately addressed and therapeutic measures were implemented.

“We are working with the student organization in question to address the allegations and provide reference,” said Moholola.

The university emphasized that it has many security measures to maintain the quality of food, including:

  • Explicit reporting structures and standard procedures to investigate complaints
  • Defined part size and menu specification
  • Use of reputed branded supply
  • Ongoing staff training
  • Independent food security audit

Nutrition and quality in dispute

In his memorandum, Sasko said, “Students are encountered with food, which not only lacks nutritional value, but also inconsistent in quality and quantity.

“Catering state (…) is just unacceptable,” said this.

In response, the UCT stated that nutritious balanced food is provided daily, with options available to suit students’ preferences.

According to the university, the menu is developed and evaluated by a qualified chef, and a daily process for monitoring food quality.

Although no plans were made to amend the catering contract, the university said that the current allegations are not necessarily implicated by the catering provider.

Gray confirmed that a memorandum during a protest last week was handed over to the University’s Housing Affairs Department, and SASCO representatives are in discussion with the UCT management.

“They will discuss with the management how they can go about this … but I don’t think it’s the first time that something like this has happened.”

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Health concerns

While some students have openly accepted to fall ill from food due to fear of potential backlash, Gray said that symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and migraine are common.

“I know about someone who was hospitalized for a week due to food poisoning,” he said, although the exact source could not be confirmed.

Gray insisted that the blame should fall not on the food workers but on the university management.

“It is not necessary that catering employees, but because of UCT catering management. They have not made much effort to look at student preferences,” he said.

citizen Has reached the Higher Education Department for comment. This article will be updated a response should be obtained.

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