Each year thousands of university students struggle to get their graduation certificates because they still owe tuition fees.
In an effort to help graduates pay off their debt, The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Council recently launched a debt forgiveness programme that will allow students to graduate and get their certificates so they can enter the labour market.
WSU council chairperson Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi said the debt clearance campaign was in collaboration with the institution's convocation and got off to a great start at the launch this past weekend as many pledges were welcomed.
He said the Eastern Cape Government contributed a total of R20 million towards the campaign and the WSU management has enabled about R8 million to be available for the campaign as well.
In total what we were able to raise in one day was around R40 million, now that is a significant amount, and it shows that we can catalyse a range of contributions.
He continues, “My target at the moment is reaching R100 million but as long as it’s dedicated, it's specific and it enables black students to obtain their certificates and look for jobs.”
Ngcukaitobi noted that the campaign hopes to make a significant dent and pay off debts for thousands of students. However it can only be sustained through partnerships and collaborations with various entities making contributions.
Meanwhile, the start of the 2023 academic year has been everything but smooth, with student protest continuing at campuses across the country.
From UCT to Wits, students have been battling with housing issues, fee blocks, financial and academic exclusions.
Higher education Minister Blade Nzimande recently emphasised that the extent of student debt posed a serious threat to the future sustainability of the country's higher education institutions.
The current national student debt owed to tertiary institutions stands at around R16.5 billion, with the cost of debt annually amounting to about R1.5 billion.
