The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa, is currently experiencing a significant student protest, which has taken the form of a hunger strike.
This demonstration seeks to draw attention to what students consider discriminatory financial exclusion policies that impede their ability to register for the forthcoming academic year.
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Faced with profound frustration regarding systemic barriers in higher education, students have adopted extreme strategies.
The protests mainly center around Wits’ financial exclusion policy, which stipulates that students are required to either have a debt of less than R10,000 or be able to pay at least 50% of their outstanding debt in order to register for classes.
Many students feel that this policy disproportionately affects individuals from low-income backgrounds, effectively preventing them from accessing educational opportunities due to prior debts. The hunger strike, which began on February 14, 2025, is gaining momentum as more students join in, underscoring the urgency of their situation.
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Concerns from Mr. Tebogo Letsie
Mr. Tebogo Letsie, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, has voiced his concerns regarding the troubling situation at Wits.
He stated, “It is profoundly troubling and tragic that students in a democratic South Africa find it necessary to take such drastic actions to access education. Education is a fundamental right, and no student should face such barriers in their quest for academic achievement.”
Appeal for Understanding and Immediate Action
In his remarks, Mr. Letsie called upon the Wits administration to engage constructively with the affected students and work towards a peaceful resolution.
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“What makes this situation more alarming is that the committee has recently conducted oversight visits in the North West and Gauteng provinces to assess readiness for the academic year. To now find students pleading with university management for permission to register is disheartening, especially when we have continually advocated for ensuring no student is left behind,” Mr. Letsie added.
He urged university officials to adopt a compassionate stance, stressing that every student deserves access to quality education.
He concluded, “We implore the university management to approach this situation with empathy and immediacy. The issues faced by these students reflect broader challenges of financial exclusion in higher education, necessitating united efforts to remedy.”
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The Broader Landscape of Student Protests
The hunger strike at Wits is part of a wider movement of student activism across South Africa that addresses issues of financial exclusion and education access.
In recent years, student protests have become a formidable platform for advocating reform in higher education. A prominent case is the #FeesMustFall movement, which drew national attention to the rising cost of education and the burdens of student debt.
Legacy Debt and Its Repercussions
Many South African universities, Wits included, continue to struggle with historical debts. Students argue that these debts often stem from the economic difficulties faced by their families and communities.
This situation has left numerous capable students unable to pursue their education due to financial barriers. It has spurred calls for substantial reforms in the management of tuition and student loans across these institutions.
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Health Concerns Amidst Ongoing Hunger Strike
As the hunger strike progresses into its sixth day, worries about the students’ health and well-being are intensifying.
Reports indicate that the students are determined to persist with their protest until all financially disadvantaged individuals are permitted to register for classes. While the university has recognized its financial challenges, it has yet to outline a specific plan to address the issues at hand.
Planned Meeting with University Administration
In light of the escalating crisis, the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education is scheduled to meet with Wits management on February 19, 2025.
This meeting aims to discuss management’s concerns and explore potential solutions to the ongoing issues affecting students. Mr. Letsie is hopeful that this dialogue will foster meaningful discussions and actionable solutions for those facing financial exclusion.
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