As the 2022 academic year began, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) operations were halted as students protested financial exclusions
UCT’s Students' Representative Council (SRC) began peaceful protests on Wednesday 16 February 2022 which ultimately led to a halt in campus activities.
This, as students who had an outstanding debt of more than R1 000 were barred from registering for the 2022 academic year. UCT’s Vice-Chancellor attempted to resolve the issue by raising the fee block limit from R1 000 to R10 000.
The university also revealed that of the R16.5 billion owed by students at public universities in South Africa, UCT’s cumulative fee debt stands at R317.8 million.
UCT’s SRC was dissatisfied with this as many students will still be excluded. In a statement, the SRC noted their grievances and issued several demands. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS CLICK HERE.
The council admitted that even though increasing the fee block threshold allowed more students to register for the academic year, many students had debt equal to more than R10 000.
A special meeting of the Council was held on Monday, 21 February 2022 which aimed to address UCT's approach to student debt. SRC-elected members of the Council were present at the meeting.
Here are the resolutions taken by UCT’s Council after deliberations
- The current fee block on student registrations should be removed for the 2022 academic year for all students who are eligible to re-register on academic grounds. This concession will apply to students who are South African citizens, South African Permanent Residents, from SADC countries and other countries in Africa. It will not apply to students registered for courses at the Graduate School of Business (GSB), or who are international students from continents other than Africa.
- The university executive will review current financial aid and fees policies, to develop proposals for reform that will align with Vision 2030, with the objective of ensuring that the allocation of financial assistance is aligned with demonstrable financial need. Proposals will be brought to Council for consideration in time for implementation for the 2023 academic year.
- The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) will be invited to take part in a joint working group with university management, to ensure that students who will benefit from the additional fee block concessions for 2022 can complete their registrations as rapidly as possible, so that their academic progress is not compromised.
“We are confident that this additional support to our students will make a significant and material contribution to their ability to realise their potential at UCT” concluded the University.
