Johannesburg – The compelling declaration, “We will not eat until all students are registered,” targets the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), as protesters assert that the institution is obstructing their registration because of historical debts.
Beginning on Friday, February 14, 2025, a number of students have participated in a hunger strike to demand their right to register.
These students, sharing their financial hardships, argue that education represents their only chance to escape the dire conditions of their underprivileged backgrounds.
Expulsion due to unpaid debts would merely trap them in severe poverty, eliminating any hope of improving their circumstances.
While a hunger strike is a form of protest, it carries significant health risks after 45 days, mainly due to possible infections or cardiovascular issues.
Even after a protester concludes a hunger strike, the risk of “refeeding syndrome” still exists.
Some hunger strike participants reported feeling increasingly weak but remained steadfast in their resolve to continue.
On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Board of Directors of Universities South Africa (USAf) expressed regret over the protests and turmoil at various campuses as students demand their right to register for the 2025 academic year, despite their outstanding debts and other challenges.
At least two institutions within USAf have opted for online classes to kick off the academic year in response to student protests concerning financial exclusion and accommodation issues.
These measures aim to pressure the management of these institutions to tackle the urgent problems at hand.
USAf, representing South Africa’s 26 public universities, acknowledged that students are facing genuine challenges and that many are struggling to pay their overdue tuition fees.
The Board particularly sympathizes with first-time students awaiting confirmation of funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), as they cannot register or secure housing until they receive this confirmation.
Furthermore, the Board noted the difficulties faced by returning students who have been excluded from previous accommodations due to unpaid 2024 rentals from NSFAS.
The Board affirmed that universities have undertaken significant efforts to support affected students by offering special concessions on outstanding debts or securing funding from various sources.
These initiatives demonstrate that university management teams are aware of the socioeconomic issues at hand.
Moreover, universities are also affected by the inefficiencies surrounding student funding.
“While the students’ concerns are valid, we stress that these issues are being addressed to the wrong entities,” said the USAf Board.
“Universities are not the primary source of student funding and are unable to clear outstanding fees or debts owed to NSFAS. Therefore, the protests are misdirected,” the Board added.
“We continue to collaborate with NSFAS and government representatives to find collective solutions.”
“However, disruptions across campuses are counterproductive, ultimately jeopardizing the very academic objectives our students strive to achieve.”
The representative body of universities warned that interrupting the registration process and the academic cycle delays institutional operations and endangers all university community members, including protesters.
While recognizing the need for students to express their frustrations, the USAf Board appealed for calm and reason to take precedence.
They urged students to acknowledge that their legitimate grievances should be pursued through appropriate channels for resolution.
Cooperating with government officials and advocating for systemic changes in funding mechanisms would yield better results than applying pressure on universities, which are already endeavoring to support their students during these challenging times.
“By fostering collaboration among students, universities, and government entities, we can discover sustainable solutions that ensure access to education for all,” stated the Board.
“Looking ahead, let’s prioritize dialogue and constructive engagement to cultivate a more equitable and supportive educational environment.”
“Together, we can navigate these challenges while upholding the integrity of our academic institutions and addressing the urgent needs of our student population.”
