Wits admits funding struggles as hunger strike continues

In a statement, the university highlighted the progress made, noting that in 2024 it administered approximately R1.8 billion in financial aid, bursaries, and scholarships.

The registration period for returning undergraduate and postgraduate students opened on 2 January and closed on 9 February 2025.

To date, 25 200 undergraduates and 12 098 postgraduate students have successfully registered, with postgraduate registrations set to continue throughout the year.

With a capacity of 38 000 students, Wits still has 705 spaces available for eligible postgraduate students to register. 

The university also reported spending about R180 million on student scholarships and R28 million from a hardship fund for registration and emergency accommodation, helping 26,099 students access higher education.

In response to the student admission backlog, the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) raised R2.5 million to support struggling students, with the university matching this amount to double the funds available.

In light of the ongoing registration issues, the SRC launched a hunger strike to protest the university's failure to accommodate deserving students. They are demanding accountability and the removal of barriers to education access.

Speaking to Jacaranda FM News, Wits SRC Deputy President Boipelo Setsepu confirmed that the hunger strike would continue until the university meets the SRC's demands. 

"We plan on continuing the hunger strike until all students are able to register and are accommodated."

Setsepu emphasized that the SRC is willing to risk their health to ensure all deserving students gain access to education.

The university stated that it has made every effort to support academically qualified students within the limits of available resources and remains committed to working with the SRC to raise additional funds for eligible students.

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