IN CONVERSSATION WITH IRENE PAMPALLIS FROM RESEARCH ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC POLICY.

University management has outlined several interventions. These include the allocation of twenty million rand to the Wits Registration Assistance Fund matching six million rand raised by the Student Representative Council, extending the registration period, and continuing to disburse billions of rand annually in financial aid and bursaries.

While University management has outlined financial concessions, funding allocations and registration extensions, protesting students argue that many academically deserving young people are still being excluded because of financial barriers beyond their control. They say this is not simply about late registration, but about fairness, access and the future of students…

Research shows that inadequate career guidance before university often leaves young people entering higher education without a clear study plan, leading them to enrol in programmes simply because they are available rather than aligned with their interests or strengths. Adding to this recent analysis of the 2025 matric results and…

Recent data from Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey continues to show that youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average, highlighting the fragile transition from education to work. At the same time, research published in the South African Journal of Higher Education points to ongoing challenges around…

Students at the University of the Western Cape have blocked campus entrances and halted shuttle services, demanding accommodation. According to the SRC, around 4 000 students remain without residence placements, despite the university announcing a major expansion of student housing ahead of 2026.