On February 17, 2025, widespread student protests erupted across South African universities, notably at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Stellenbosch University, and Wits University. The protests were driven by unresolved issues including financial exclusions, delayed disbursements from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), and severe accommodation shortages.

At UCT, students stormed the administration building, blocked entrances, and disrupted classes, forcing the university to suspend in-person teaching and move some sessions online. The UCT Students’ Representative Council (SRC) submitted a memorandum demanding: suspension of classes until all eligible students are registered, expansion of on-campus housing, lifting of fee blocks for academically performing students, and a clear anti-financial exclusion policy. The protests also disrupted extracurricular activities such as the Varsity Cup rugby match.

UCT management acknowledged students’ right to protest peacefully but warned against disruption. The university convened a special council meeting to address the demands and deployed Campus Protection Services to handle unlawful actions. Similar protests occurred at Wits and other institutions.

Comment/Recommendation

ACAF is of the view that financial exclusions and housing shortages hinder equal access to education, disproportionately affecting underprivileged students and limiting the diversity essential to a robust academic environment. Two, the students’ collective action is a legitimate expression of their rights to freedom of expression and association. Attempts to suppress such protests through threats of disciplinary action or policing can undermine student agency. Three, delays in addressing student concerns and the reliance on security measures, instead of dialogue, reflect institutional resistance to participatory governance, which is vital to academic freedom. ACAF acknowledges some positive steps taken by the university management to find a solution to the problems expressed by the students and encourages management to continue on that trajectory while also advising students to operate within the law in staging their protests.

Source(s)

1. https://insideeducation.co.za/bumpy-start-for-2025-tertiary-academic-year/
2. https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2025-02-20-student-campus-protests-misdirected-says-universities-south-africa/
3. https://www.smfnews.org/students-call-for-change-at-mass-meeting/
4. https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/education/2025-02-17-uct-lectures-halted-by-student-protests-over-fees-and-accommodation/
5. https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2025-02-20-update-on-protest-action