The start of the 2025 academic year in South Africa has been marred by student protests at several universities, including the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). These protests stem from a confluence of issues, primarily centered around accommodation shortages and delayed financial aid disbursements.
CPUT: Accommodation Crisis Leaves Students Stranded
At CPUT, hundreds of students were left without on-campus housing due to overwhelming demand. Despite having 16,000 beds, the university received a staggering 88,000 applications for residence. This severe mismatch between supply and demand has left many students facing homelessness.
While the university is working to accommodate as many students as possible, prioritizing those with valid registrations and NSFAS funding, many are still left without options. CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley acknowledged the limitations and encouraged students to seek alternative accommodation options.
NMU: Financial Exclusion Sparks Online Classes
The situation at NMU escalated further, with student protests forcing the university to move classes online. Students expressed concerns over delayed NSFAS payments, legislative challenges, and difficulties accessing accommodation due to outstanding financial obligations.
The NMU Student Representative Council (SRC) President, Lathitha Mbuzwana, emphasized that the protests were a last resort after numerous attempts to engage with university management. Students highlighted the severe impact of delayed financial aid, leaving them without the means to cover basic necessities like food and housing.
While NMU confirmed that the majority of NSFAS allowances had been disbursed, students continued to demand immediate solutions. The university has implemented measures to address the situation, including extending the late registration period and increasing support services for affected students.
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie, said:
The scenes at CPUT and NMU are deeply troubling ... the current crisis underscores the urgent need for greater scrutiny of these assurances. The systemic failure to address recurring student accommodation shortages reflects a broader institutional and governmental neglect of student welfare.
During the protests, reports of violence emerged, with security personnel at both universities allegedly using force against students. These incidents resulted in clashes and injuries to some students.
“The use of excessive force is unacceptable. Security personnel must prioritise de-escalation and protection, not repression. Students advocating for their right to education deserve empathy, not violence,” said Mr Letsie.
