The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO) at the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) launched a petition calling for an urgent review of the institution’s registration policy.
We want the registration policy to give students a grace period of six months to settle outstanding debt to SPU. As it stands, students are required to reduce outstanding debt to R5 000 and sign an acknowledgement of debt before they’ll be allowed to register.
We completely understand that the institution needs reliable funding sources to finance its operations and meet its obligations, including its obligations to students to provide a safe campus with sufficient skilled staff.
However, reducing debt levels is very difficult for students who rely on the notoriously inefficient NSFAS and who may now be prevented from registering through no fault of their own. NSFAS is not known for its timely or accurate payment of monies owed to students and most students simply cannot afford to pay while waiting for NSFAS. Many NSFAS-funded students come from families with monthly incomes below than R10 000, with a significant number earning around R5 000. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group estimates that the average food basket cost R5 835.45 in the Northern Cape in December 2024, underscoring the serious financial strain on these families. Expecting these students, and students who rely on other bursary funds, to clear debts within a limited timeframe exacerbates their financial difficulties, adversely affecting their academic aspirations and their families’ psychosocial well-being.
We want students to be able to focus on their studies, not stress about registrations. Allowing students to register with a grace period to settle debt will support education and foster a more inclusive academic environment.