Violent Protests on University Campuses

Statement y Dr Delmaine Christians MP – DA Spokesperson on Higher Education & Training:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), together with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to urgently resolve outstanding funding and allowance issues affecting university students.

Across the country, we have continued to see students deeply frustrated, as they cannot register or secure accommodation due to outstanding allowances. This includes blocked campus and highway access at UCT and the need to bring in the South African Police Services to manage protests at Sol Plaatje University.

The Department of Higher Education and NSFAS are a lifeline to millions wanting opportunities. Yet, NSFAS’s recurring failures destabilise institutions at the start of each academic year. Chaos has become a norm, and protests will continue.

When systems fail, students are left uncertain about accommodation, food security or even their registration status. This creates unnecessary stress and disrupts academic stability.

The DA has consistently warned that unresolved systemic weaknesses within NSFAS, including ongoing administrative instability and operational failures, would lead to the type of unrest currently unfolding.

In addition to demanding an urgent intervention by the DHET, the DA is also calling for:

• A detailed explanation from NSFAS on the specific causes of the current disruptions and a clear timeline for resolution;
• Urgent engagement between NSFAS, institutional management, and student leadership to restore stability and prevent further academic disruption;
• A comprehensive early-year readiness strategy to prevent recurring NSFAS crises across institutions.

Students deserve certainty, stability and a funding system that works, not repeated administrative failures that block access to education. The DA will intensify oversight and hold both DHET and NSFAS accountable to ensure students receive the support they are legally entitled to, without them having to resort to protest action to be heard.