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Mail & Guardian
student debtlatest news & developments

Unisa mobilises support to free students from historical debt

More than 6,000 Unisa students who have completed their studies remain unable to graduate due to outstanding fees. The university is rallying alumni, businesses, and donors to…

File photo: The pilot project involves 39 public higher education institutions, including the University of Johannesburg and the University of the Western Cape. (Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Wits University agrees to mediation with student representatives

Despite negotiations, six protesting students remain suspended from the university for damage to property and infringing on others’ right to learn and work

Give the youth the budget they deserve so they can prosper and grow

Funding, collaboration and innovation can improve the skills and prospects of young South Africans

Brought to book: Students started protesting against tertiary education fees in 2015 with the Fees Must Fall movement. Nsfas funding still fails to cover the so-called missing middle students. Photo: Michele Spatari/AFP

University funding crisis: Economy crumbling under weighty student debt

Student debt is growing quickly and, if something doesn’t change, it could jeopardise the country’s already struggling economy

Student debt does not only affect the student and the university but has far-reaching consequences for all of us and the economy

How student debt will aid in the downward slide of South Africa

Student debt does not only affect the student and the university but has far-reaching consequences for all of us and the economy

Debt drives students to despair

Thousands of students, who owe billions of rands in outstanding fees to universities, can’t get their qualification certificates and so can’t get jobs

Some schools, predominantly the better-resourced schools, have been able to carry on with teaching online whereas in many other schools, learners have had to make do with a couple of radio and television lessons. (Graphic: John McCann)

Young people need a bailout: Cancel student debt held by national banks

A more equitable and fair society, able to conquer the effects of pandemics, starts with debt-free education and skills development