The Mounting Pressure on South African Higher Education

Across South African universities and colleges, student frustration has boiled over into widespread protests in early 2026, centering on chronic issues with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This government program, designed to provide financial support to low-income students pursuing higher education at public institutions, has funded over 1.24 million students for the year, including 692,000 first-time entrants and 550,000 continuing ones. Yet, delays in disbursing allowances for books, living expenses, and accommodation have left thousands unable to register, afford meals, or secure housing, sparking demonstrations that threaten the academic calendar.

At institutions like the Durban University of Technology (DUT), protests turned violent in March, with students blocking roads, clashing with security, and prompting a shift to online learning. Similar unrest hit the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), University of Cape Town (UCT), Nelson Mandela University (NMU), University of Pretoria (UP), University of Fort Hare (UFH), Sol Plaatje University, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and Stellenbosch University (SU). These events underscore a deeper crisis: without swift NSFAS reforms, the 2026 academic year risks derailing entirely, exacerbating South Africa's youth unemployment rate, which hovers around 60% for those aged 15-34.

Understanding NSFAS: Purpose and Structure

The NSFAS, established under the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act of 1999, offers need-based bursaries covering tuition, accommodation, living allowances (around R17,000 annually), book allowances (R5,000+), and learning materials to eligible South African students from households earning less than R350,000 per year. For 2026, the scheme operates on a budget exceeding R40 billion, disbursing over R6.3 billion in initial payments. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress—typically a 50% pass rate—to retain funding, with appeals open for those falling short.

Funding flows directly to institutions for fees, while allowances go to students via banks or service providers. However, the intermediary model previously used for accommodation payments led to exploitation, including ghost beds and overcharging, prompting a shift to direct disbursements starting this year. Despite approving funding for more students than ever, mismatches between applications (over 1.5 million) and capacity have fueled tensions.

Timeline of the 2026 Protests

Protests ignited in January amid accommodation shortages, escalating in February. Key flashpoints included:

• January: CPUT students camp outside residences over accreditation delays for NSFAS-approved housing.
• February 16: UCT students block highways protesting unpaid fees and housing woes.
• February 17: Sol Plaatje University calls in police as allowances delays halt registration.
• Early March: UP rallies against R1,500 monthly top-up fees for substandard NSFAS housing; UFH boycotts over residence conditions.
• March 19: DUT sees massive unrest affecting 5,000+ students, with vandalism, arrests, and a security guard injured; university submits payment templates, releasing funds to 5,862 students by March 20.
• Mid-March: NMU, Wits, and SU join, demanding debt write-offs and immediate payouts.

By late March, over 100,000 appeals clogged the system, delaying resolutions further.

Major Institutions at the Epicenter

DUT bore the brunt, with 6,000 students awaiting allowances averaging R4,149 each, forcing reliance on food parcels. CPUT's housing crisis saw students sleeping in tents. UCT's disruptions affected thousands barred by historical debts, while UP highlighted unsafe private accommodations requiring top-ups. Smaller institutions like Sol Plaatje and UFH faced blockades, and Wits saw unregistered thousands rallying in Braamfontein. TVET colleges also reported sporadic unrest, though universities dominated headlines.

These protests diverted millions from infrastructure—past damages exceed R800 million nationally—while straining security and faculty morale.

Root Causes: Delays, Fraud, and Shortages

Delays stem from verification backlogs, incomplete appeals (over 218,000 pending), and institution non-compliance in submitting data. Fraud probes revealed payments to 800+ deceased students and 1,055 parents, with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) recovering R1.7 billion in misallocated funds from 2016-2021, part of R2 billion total.

Housing shortages are acute: one bed per 33 students nationally, with 148,000 leases against 224,000 applications. Budget pressures loom, with potential R14 billion shortfalls and proposed cuts threatening sustainability. The "missing middle"—households above NSFAS thresholds—adds strain, as does a 33% non-completion rate.

Photo by Hennie Stander on Unsplash

Student Demands and Lived Realities

Students demand timely allowances, debt forgiveness, no top-up fees, and expanded housing. Many skip meals, face evictions, or drop out, with mental health crises rising. SRCs at DUT and others decry "survival protests" born of NSFAS inefficiencies. "We can't learn on empty stomachs," echoed many, highlighting how delays perpetuate inequality in a system meant to uplift the poor.

Responses from Universities, Government, and Opposition

Universities like DUT collaborated with police, offered relief bursaries (e.g., UCT aided 2,883 students), and shifted online. Minister Buti Manamela dissolved the NSFAS board, terminated the CEO, appointed a new one in March 2025, and rolled out direct payments. President Ramaphosa pushed innovative housing finance. The DA called for tripartite talks, readiness plans, and tiered loans. NSFAS debunked misinformation and urged appeals by March 31.

NSFAS media updates detail progress, while SIU probes continue.

Academic and Economic Ripples

Disruptions cost teaching time, research output, and productivity. With 720,000 students barred by debts, graduation rates suffer, fueling joblessness. Economically, stalled skills development hampers growth; protests erode trust in higher education as a mobility ladder.

Reforms in Motion: A Turnaround Path

Key changes include direct NSFAS payments to landlords/students, AI-driven verification, stricter MOAs, and blockchain anti-fraud. Expansions like new universities in Ekurhuleni and Hammanskraal, plus a Central Application Service by late 2026, aim to boost capacity. Partnerships with Google for AI skills and UNESCO for TVET signal innovation. Minister Manamela emphasizes alumni involvement and private housing ties.

Recent SIU-driven overhaul details promise stability.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Future Outlook

USAf warns of governance risks; AfriForum blames empty promises; experts advocate synchronized calendars. With protests ebbing post-payments, 2026 could stabilize if reforms stick. However, demand outstrips supply—expanding TVETs and addressing the missing middle via loans are critical. A reformed NSFAS could transform access, but sustained funding and oversight are essential.

Prospects brighten with R2 billion recoveries funding more aid, but vigilance against fraud and shortages remains key to preventing recurrence.

Photo by Sibusiso Mbatha on Unsplash

Actionable Insights for Students and Institutions

• Check NSFAS portal daily for updates and submit appeals promptly.
• Institutions: Strengthen financial aid offices and housing partnerships.
• Students: Explore TVET alternatives with full NSFAS coverage.
• Advocates: Push for blockchain transparency and missing middle schemes.

By prioritizing reforms, South Africa can secure higher education as a pillar of equity and growth.