Sihle Lonzi Slams University Application Fees as ‘Money-Making Schemes’

by Central News Reporter
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Sihle Lonzi Slams University Application Fees as ‘Money-Making Schemes’

Sihle Lonzi

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament and leader of the EFF Students Command, Sihle Lonzi, has denounced university application fees as exploitative “money-making schemes” that burden students and their families. Lonzi has called for legislation to either scrap these fees entirely or ensure reimbursement for unsuccessful applicants. He argues that the current system disproportionately affects students from disadvantaged backgrounds, labelling it a significant barrier to equitable access to higher education.

Lonzi’s Call for Legislative Action

In a statement on social media, Lonzi expressed his concerns about the unethical practices of South African universities, stating:

“We must pass legislation which either scraps application fees, or reimburses those whose applications are unsuccessful. These universities are running money-making schemes through these application fees. More than 100k people pay to apply, yet you only have space for 6k. Scam!”

Lonzi’s statement has ignited widespread debate, drawing attention to the financial hurdles faced by prospective students in South Africa. With application fees ranging from R300 to R500 per institution, many students are forced to apply to multiple universities, only to face rejection due to limited spaces. This system, Lonzi contends, unfairly enriches universities at the expense of students’ aspirations.

The Bigger Picture: Student Debt in South Africa

The issue of application fees is part of a broader crisis in South Africa’s higher education system. According to recent data, student debt across South African universities has skyrocketed to over R16.5 billion, leaving thousands unable to graduate due to outstanding fees. Institutions such as the University of Pretoria and the University of Johannesburg are grappling with billions of rands in unpaid student debt, with degrees withheld as a result.

For example:

• University of Pretoria: 60,043 students collectively owe R2.3 billion, with 1,327 degrees withheld.
• University of Johannesburg: Approximately 33,000 students owe significant amounts in unpaid fees.
• University of Cape Town: 2,717 students owe a cumulative R128 million.

The financial strain on students and their families underscores the need for systemic reforms to make higher education more accessible and sustainable.

Lonzi’s Students’ Debt Cancellation Bill

Lonzi has gone beyond the issue of application fees by introducing the Students’ Debt Cancellation Private Member Bill, 2024. This legislative proposal seeks to address the mounting student debt crisis in South Africa. Key provisions of the bill include:

1. Clearance of All Student Debt: The bill mandates the cancellation of all outstanding student debt across South African higher education institutions.
2. Access to Academic Certificates: It establishes an open-access registrar to ensure that students receive their qualification certificates, regardless of outstanding debt.

The proposed measures aim to dismantle financial barriers that prevent students from entering the job market and contributing to the economy. Lonzi argues that withholding certificates due to unpaid fees perpetuates cycles of poverty and unemployment, particularly among black students who are disproportionately affected.

Universities’ Role in the Crisis

Lonzi has accused universities of running application systems that prioritise profit over fairness. With over 100,000 applications received annually for spaces accommodating only 6,000 students, the revenue generated from application fees often runs into millions of rands. Critics argue that these funds are not transparently utilised to benefit students.

Universities South Africa (USAf), an organisation representing higher education institutions, has defended the practice of charging application fees, citing operational costs. However, USAf has also acknowledged the need for more sustainable funding models to address the growing financial challenges faced by both institutions and students.

Public Reactions and Advocacy

Lonzi’s remarks have sparked widespread support among students, parents, and youth organisations. Many have taken to social media to share their experiences with university application fees, describing them as exploitative and unfair. The hashtag #ScrapApplicationFees has begun trending on platforms such as Twitter, highlighting the urgency of the issue.

One student wrote:

“I applied to five universities last year, spending R2,000 on application fees alone, only to get rejected. How is this fair?”

Another supporter added:

“These fees are a barrier to education for so many young people. We need leaders like Sihle Lonzi to push for change.”


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