Wits University announced the removal of students engaged in a hunger strike at the university’s SRC boardroom. The students, who had occupied the boardroom for five days, were demanding registration despite having unpaid historic debts.
Reasons for Removal
The university stated that the individuals involved were unregistered, which led to their removal from the campus. According to Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel, two of the protestors were not eligible to continue their studies under the university’s registration policy.
“The first individual is a former SRC member from about ten years ago who has since been working and is now demanding to be funded for postgraduate studies,” Patel explained.
“The second individual is a mature male who also has a postgraduate qualification from the university, who is also demanding funding to study further,” Patel added.
The university’s policy allows students to register if they owe less than R10,000, or if they pay half of their outstanding debt.
Occupation and Hunger Strike
The students began occupying the SRC boardroom last week as part of their protest against Wits’ registration policy. They demanded that the university register them for the new academic year despite their debts.
On Monday, the protest escalated as the students held a prayer session and burnt incense in the boardroom. Following the session, campus security stepped in and asked them to vacate the premises.
The university explained that its decision was based on the students’ failure to meet the registration criteria and their status as unregistered individuals.
University’s Stance on Debt and Registration
Wits University has faced ongoing challenges related to student debt and financial aid. Like many South African institutions, it is grappling with how to balance financial sustainability while ensuring that students have access to higher education.
The university’s policy is designed to strike a balance by allowing students to register if they owe less than R10,000 or can pay half of their outstanding fees. However, many students have expressed frustration with these requirements, arguing that they cannot afford even the minimum payments.
Broader Issues of Student Debt
The situation at Wits is not isolated. Universities across South Africa have seen growing student protests over debt and access to education, particularly for postgraduate studies. Students often highlight the financial barriers that prevent many from pursuing further education, despite meeting academic requirements.
The issue has also reignited calls for increased government funding and expanded financial aid programs to alleviate the financial burden on students. Some activists have criticized the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for its limited coverage of postgraduate studies.
SRC and Student Reactions
The hunger strike and boardroom occupation were part of ongoing efforts by student activists to pressure the university into relaxing its registration requirements.
Student activists argue that removing the protestors without addressing their demands does not solve the broader issue of access to education for students with historic debt. They have called on university management to engage in further dialogue to find a solution that ensures no student is left behind due to financial challenges.
However, the university has maintained its stance that students must meet minimum payment requirements to register.
Next Steps
While Wits University has removed the protesting students from its premises, it remains to be seen whether further protests will follow. Discussions between student leaders, university management, and stakeholders may be necessary to address the ongoing concerns around access to education and student debt.
As the new academic year begins, student debt is likely to remain a pressing issue across South Africa, and institutions like Wits University will continue to face pressure to find more inclusive financial solutions.
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