As universities across South Africa begin preparing for the 2025 academic year, tensions are rising between student unions and government officials.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has issued a warning that the country’s 26 universities could face a shutdown unless critical issues, particularly around student funding and housing, are resolved promptly.
The MK Party (MKP) Student Movement has expressed its willingness to support a shutdown if adequate discussions with other student bodies take place. Despite these threats, the Department of Higher Education’s director-general, Nkosinathi Sishi, remains confident that a shutdown will not occur, assuring that while protests may arise, they will not escalate to the scale seen in previous years.
On Thursday, a key meeting took place in Ekurhuleni, Gauteng, where Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane engaged with student leaders and stakeholders to discuss the readiness for the new academic year. The meeting focused on addressing pressing issues, including delays in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding, challenges in student accommodation, and infrastructure improvements at technical colleges.
SAUS President Lubabalo Ndzoyiya highlighted several unresolved matters during the meeting. One major concern is the financial support for students who were provisionally accepted by universities but have not yet received confirmation of their funding from NSFAS. The union is urging for all pending funding decisions to be finalised so that these students can complete their registration.
Another significant issue is unpaid accommodation fees. Many landlords are reportedly owed millions in rent from NSFAS for the previous year, preventing thousands of students from accessing university residences. This backlog has left up to 4 000 students unable to secure housing for the new academic year.
News24 has reported that in addition, SAUS is pushing for an increase in the monthly living allowance given to students by NSFAS, which has remained stagnant at R1 650 for the past five years despite rising costs. The union is also calling for an end to application fees charged by universities, which they describe as an unfair financial burden on prospective students.
The situation has become increasingly dire for students, particularly those whose tuition and accommodation fees for 2024 have yet to be fully settled by NSFAS. Ndzoyiya warned that if these issues are not resolved quickly, it could lead to mass action and disruptions across campuses.
On the other hand, Sishi reassured the public that progress has been made. Over 680 000 students have already been funded for the upcoming year, representing nearly 80% of the total student population. He also acknowledged that while NSFAS has faced challenges with funding arrears, these are being addressed through a thorough review process linked to the South African Revenue Service’s data.
Sishi expressed optimism that a solution could be found, noting that meetings with affected landlords and stakeholders were being scheduled to address outstanding payments and concerns. He also acknowledged the student unions’ demands for a higher living allowance, although he emphasised that resolving funding gaps for students still awaiting financial aid is the department’s top priority.
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