University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
By Thabo Mosia
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is confronting significant funding challenges as it strives to support its student body. Despite these hurdles, 95% of eligible students have successfully registered for the 2025 academic year. In a concerted effort to assist those facing financial difficulties, the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) has raised R2.5 million, a sum that the university has matched, effectively doubling the available support fund.
Registration Milestones and Financial Aid Distribution
As of 9 February 2025, Wits University has registered approximately 25,200 undergraduate and 12,098 postgraduate students, bringing the total to 37,295 out of a capacity of 38,000. Postgraduate registrations are ongoing throughout the year, leaving 705 spaces still available for eligible candidates. In 2024, the university administered around R1.8 billion in financial aid, bursaries, and scholarships, benefiting 26,099 students. This substantial financial support included R942 million from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), R180 million from the University Council’s funds for scholarships, and R28 million allocated to a hardship fund for registration and emergency accommodation. 
SRC’s Fundraising Efforts and Hunger Strike
In response to the financial barriers hindering some students from registering, the Wits SRC initiated a fundraising campaign that successfully amassed R2.5 million within two weeks. The university matched this amount, resulting in a total of R5 million designated to assist students in need. Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding students who remain unable to register due to outstanding debts exceeding R10,000, which require a 50% payment before registration. To protest this and advocate for more inclusive financial support, two former students have embarked on a hunger strike, demanding that their studies be funded. University spokesperson Shirona Patel acknowledged the situation, stating, “The meeting with the Vice-Chancellor, the Dean of Students, and the SRC went well today, and they will touch base again tomorrow afternoon.” 
Debt Relief Initiatives
Beyond immediate financial aid, Wits University has undertaken measures to alleviate existing student debt. Through partnerships with donors, the institution cleared R63 million in historic debt for 796 students, enabling 336 students to graduate and allowing the remainder to register for the 2025 academic year. This initiative underscores the university’s commitment to facilitating academic progression for students hindered by financial constraints. 
Ongoing Challenges and Collaborative Efforts
Despite these substantial efforts, the university acknowledges that funding challenges persist, particularly for the “missing middle” students who do not qualify for NSFAS yet cannot afford tuition fees. Wits remains committed to collaborating with the SRC and other stakeholders to raise additional funds and explore sustainable solutions to ensure that all academically deserving students have access to higher education. The institution has also established a Discretionary Funding Portal to connect students with potential donors, aiming to bridge the financial gap for those in need.
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