Johannesburg – The student hunger strike at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) continues more than a week after it began.
Protesting students at Wits University have been on hunger strike for at least 10 days to press the institution of higher learning to allow all students with “historic debts” to register for the academic year.
At the weekend several students suffering from the effects of their hunger strike were attended to by medics on campus.
Although Wits University has been reluctant to take back students with outstanding fees, management and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) reached some agreements to try and end the impasse.
The agreement also included the following:
- The University will extend the registration deadline to close of business on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
- As far as resources allow and subject to approval by a joint task team set up by the parties, it was agreed that the registration of undergraduate academically deserving students (with PCD and RET codes only) with an outstanding debt of less than R150 000 would be considered, as well as those qualifying (PCD and RET) undergraduate students who have been approved for assistance by both the Wits Hardship Fund and the Wits SRC Legacy Fund to register, provided that they owe less than R150 000 after having received assistance from these Funds.
Qualifying students in these categories should check their student email accounts for more information from the Finance Division and students can register thereafter at their respective Faculty offices on Monday and Tuesday. - Both parties agreed to seek assistance from private accommodation service providers to sponsor additional beds to be allocated through the Hardship Accommodation process.
The University will continue considering the placement of registered students in University residences where vacancies exist on a case-by-case basis, through Campus Housing and Residence Life. - Both parties agreed to fundraise to enable the registration of postgraduate students. Subject to the confirmation of additional funding (at least R2 million), applications to the Wits SRC Legacy Fund would be re-opened for a limited period to postgraduate students (prioritising assistance to those admitted to honours programmes).
At the moment, over 97% of undergraduate students are registered, with postgraduate registration opportunities available at specific times throughout the year.
However, students who rejected the agreement continued with their hunger strike because they were not happy with the “conditions” attached to the agreement.
The President of Save South Africa Sydney Monnakgotla said he met with students on a hunger strike at the university.
Monnakgotla insisted the students were on a hunger strike because the University did not allow them to register.
“Further, the concession made for undergrads is also not assisting because it has conditions,” said Monnakgotla, adding that Save SA was embarking on a fundraising campaign for affected students.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela will visit the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) on 24 February 2025.
The department said the deputy minister wants to ensure the institution is prepared for the 2025 academic year, identify areas that need improvement, and engage with executive management, Students Representative Councils, and labour on critical issues of the University.
