Unisa Expert Highlights Funding System Issues After Rhodes University Protests

Dr Simphiwe Madikizela, a senior lecturer at Unisa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL), states that student funding problems stem from inefficient systems rather than insufficient money. He identifies poor planning and weak processes as key issues preventing qualified students from receiving funds.

Rhodes University reports rising student debt at an unsustainable pace, threatening its capacity to sustain teaching quality, research infrastructure, and staff levels.

Protests at Rhodes University in Makhanda last week over a proposed fee payment protocol led to 13 students being arrested and later released.

Under the policy, students must clear 50% of outstanding debt and tuition fees by the end of 2026 to register for the 2027 academic year.