Wits University Students Persist with Hunger Strike as Registration Deadline is Prolonged
Johannesburg – The student hunger strike at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) persists for over a week since its initiation.
Students protesting at Wits University have engaged in a hunger strike for at least 10 days, demanding that the institution allows all students with “historic debts” to register for the academic year.
This past weekend, several students experiencing the adverse effects of hunger striking received medical attention on campus.
Despite Wits University’s hesitance to reinstate students with outstanding fees, management and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) have made some agreements to attempt to resolve the deadlock.
The agreement also encompassed the following:
- The University will extend the registration deadline until the close of business on Tuesday, 25 February 2025.
- Subject to available resources and approval from a joint task team established by both parties, it was agreed that the registration of undergraduate academically deserving students (with PCD and RET codes only) who have an outstanding debt of less than R150,000, and 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, will be considered for registration if they owe less than R150,000 after receiving aid from these Funds.
Eligible students in these categories should check their student email accounts for further information from the Finance Division and may register at their respective Faculty offices on Monday and Tuesday. - Both parties have agreed to collaborate with private accommodation service providers to sponsor additional beds, which will be allocated through the Hardship Accommodation process.
The University will continue to consider the placement of registered students in University residences where vacancies are available on a case-by-case basis, through Campus Housing and Residence Life. - Both parties agreed to participate in fundraising activities to facilitate the registration of postgraduate students. Subject to confirmation of additional funding (at least R2 million), applications to the Wits SRC Legacy Fund will be reopened for a limited time for postgraduate students, with a focus on those admitted to honours programs.
Currently, over 97% of undergraduate students have completed their registration, while postgraduate registration opportunities will be available at designated times throughout the year.
However, students who rejected the agreement persist with their hunger strike, expressing dissatisfaction with the “conditions” linked to the agreement.
President of Save South Africa, Sydney Monnakgotla, mentioned that he met with students participating in the hunger strike at the university.
Monnakgotla emphasized that the reason for the students’ hunger strike is the University’s refusal to allow them to register.
“Additionally, the concessions made for undergraduates are inadequate because they come with conditions,” Monnakgotla stated, noting that Save SA is launching a fundraising campaign to support the affected students.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr. Buti Manamela, is scheduled to visit the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) on 24 February 2025.
The department has indicated that the deputy minister aims to ensure the institution is prepared for the 2025 academic year, identify areas for improvement, and engage with executive management, Student Representative Councils, and labor concerning critical issues at the University.