Sol Plaatje University. File picture: Danie van der Lith
SOL PLAATJE University (SPU) said it was not in a position to offer free tertiary education, while students owe nearly R80 million in unpaid fees.
Students set tyres alight outside Sol Plaatje University Square on Wednesday, demanding free tertiary education, more funded student accommodation, fairer debt repayment policies, and increased financial support.
“We are prepared to take a stand and occupy the university premises. We will sleep on the premises if necessary, just like other varsity students did, to highlight the harsh reality that many of us face. We have no accommodation, no financial support and no access to education,” the embattled students stated.
Sol Plaatje University director of institutional advancement Kashini Maistry said about 60 students blocked access points on Wednesday.
“There were no reports of intimidation or damage to university property. The entrances were reopened by the University Campus Security,” said Maistry.
She stated that as of January 31, about 250 students had made payments, including new students who were required to make upfront payments.
Maistry explained that SPU students with historical debt were mainly unfunded students and not National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiaries.
“Of these, 934 undergraduate students owe a total of R65.2 million in outstanding fees and 435 postgraduate students owe R14.4 million in debt.”
She said that students were demanding to register for the 2025 academic year without making any payment toward their existing debt.
“It is financially unsustainable for higher education institutions to provide free education.”
Maistry said that university management, together with the student representative council, had agreed to allow indebted students to register for the 2025 academic year.
“Students owing up to R25,000 who were previously registered in 2024 will be required to sign an acknowledgment of debt and proceed with registration.
“Students owing more than R25,001 who were previously registered in 2024 will be expected to reduce their debt to R25,000 and must sign an acknowledgement of debt before registration.”
She added that exceptional cases would be considered by the university on a case-by-case basis through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Appeals Committee.
“The university is committed to assisting students who do not have funding through various initiatives. The university will cover the tuition fees for undergraduate students who pass all subjects on their first attempt. This assistance is designed to ensure that eligible students are not hindered by financial constraints, provided they maintain academic excellence.”
Maistry indicated that postgraduate students who achieved an average pass rate of 65 percent would be assisted with their tuition fees in recognition of their academic performance.
“Postgraduate students can also approach the National Research Foundation for further assistance.
“The Student Graduate Fund assists final-year undergraduate students who meet the eligibility criteria. The fund aims to assist with financial barriers that might prevent them from completing their studies.”
She added that the university was also engaging with donors to assist in clearing the historic debt of final-year undergraduate students or recent graduates within their catchment areas.