South Africas universities are grappling with billions of rand in unpaid student debt, forcing institutions to tighten registration rules while expanding fundraising campaigns and payment plans to help struggling students complete their studies.
The debt burden has become a growing concern as universities balance supporting financially vulnerable students with maintaining their own financial sustainability.
At the University of the Witwatersrand Wits, historical student debt has exceeded R1.4bn, accumulated over about five years.
