Every year, as South Africa’s universities fling open their doors to new and returning students, chaos is never far behind. From funding hiccups to accommodation nightmares, thousands of students face obstacles that can derail their academic journeys before they even begin. But why do these issues persist, and what’s being done to tackle them?
At the heart of the turmoil is the financial burden imposed by application fees. Vutshila Jerride Manganyi, former secretary-general of the EFF Student Command at Vaal University of Technology (VUT), points to these fees as a key source of disruption. “Students are often required to pay multiple times because their initial payments aren’t processed properly,” Manganyi explained. Even after navigating this bureaucratic maze and securing admission, many find that their preferred courses are already full. Forced to submit late applications—and pay yet another fee—students are left frustrated and financially drained. Despite repeated complaints from student bodies like the EFF, Manganyi claims university management has done little to address these grievances.
The financial strain doesn’t end there. Delays in disbursing funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) create further bottlenecks. Khomotso Nkadimeng, a prospective VUT student, had to travel from Daveyton to Vaal just to clarify his registration status because of NSFAS’s poor communication. Only after speaking to a Student Representative Council (SRC) member did he learn that he was provisionally funded. But this last-minute confirmation meant he had yet to secure accommodation, forcing him into a frantic scramble.
Institutional autonomy adds another layer of complexity. Siphosakhe “Sakhe” Nzuza, a student leader from the South African Students Congress (SASCO) at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), highlights how universities increasingly operate like businesses. “When institutions act like companies, they put up barriers during registration and enforce harmful policies,” Nzuza said. This corporate mindset alienates students, leaving many—especially those without housing—in vulnerable situations. Some are even forced to sleep outside university gates, exposed to crime, as management refuses to recognize them until they are officially enrolled.
Financial constraints have worsened as government funding shrinks. With more matriculants pursuing tertiary education, university infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Delays in NSFAS payments further complicate registration processes, exacerbating the crisis. The South African Students Union (SASU) is pushing for government accountability, demanding that promises made to students be fulfilled. “We need to fight against anti-student policies and ensure the government delivers on its commitments,” Nzuza emphasized.
Student accommodation shortages remain a critical issue, particularly for those from rural areas. While universities like the University of Johannesburg (UJ), TUT, and VUT have started accrediting nearby buildings as residences, Nzuza insists that government intervention is vital to meet the growing demand. Despite officials acknowledging this need, little tangible progress has been made.
The SRC plays a pivotal role in advocating for student interests, regularly proposing solutions to management. Yet, implementation remains a sticking point. “Management often agrees with our proposals but fails to follow through,” Nzuza lamented. Delayed NSFAS payments hinder registration, and universities claim they cannot assist students with outstanding fees from previous years. This has led to frequent protests and advocacy efforts targeting the Department of Higher Education.
Some universities are exploring external funding sources, like the Motsepe Foundation, to ease students’ financial burdens. These initiatives prioritize academically strong students, ensuring that support is directed where it’s most likely to yield success. However, Nzuza remains critical of the government’s failure to fully implement free, quality education—a promise that has yet to materialize.
Innovative proposals have surfaced to tackle capacity issues. Nzuza suggests introducing dual shifts—day and night—to maximize university resources, along with expanding online learning opportunities. Decentralizing NSFAS offices to operate in every province, rather than solely in Cape Town, could also streamline the application process and improve accessibility. Despite these thoughtful suggestions, many have fallen on deaf ears.
South Africa’s higher education system is facing a crisis. Inadequate infrastructure, delayed financial support, and a growing demand for educational access are creating insurmountable barriers for many students. While student leaders continue to fight for change through protests, negotiations, and public pressure, real solutions remain elusive. The struggle for equitable access to education persists, underscoring the urgent need for decisive action from both the government and universities.
