Unisa Expert Highlights Funding System Issues After Rhodes University Protests

A Unisa business school expert identified that resolving student funding challenges at Rhodes University requires improving the system rather than increasing financial contributions. Dr Simphiwe Madikizela, a senior lecturer at Unisa’s Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL), emphasized that poor planning and inefficient processes prevent qualified students from receiving funds.

Rhodes University reported rising student debt levels, creating strain on teaching quality, research infrastructure, and staff retention. The institution warned that current debt growth rates are unsustainable for maintaining academic standards.

Protests at Rhodes University in Makhanda last week over a proposed fee payment protocol led to 13 students being arrested and later released. The policy requires students to clear 50% of outstanding debt and tuition fees by the end of 2026 to enroll in the 2027 academic year.

Dr Madikizela argued that student funding failures stem not from insufficient money but from mismanagement of existing resources. He noted that institutions responsible for student finance often fail to deliver funds to eligible students due to weak systems.