JOHANNESBURG - Wits University students have embarked on a hunger strike over the alleged exclusion of some students.
They say the university is blocking some from registering due to historical debt.
The institution only allows students with a debt of less than R10,000 to register and if the debt is higher, students must pay at least 50% of the outstanding amount before they can register.
The university says it has gone to great lengths to help struggling students, but cannot erase all debt.
Speaking to eNCA, Wits University Spokesperson, Shirona Patel, said the university, alongside SRC leaders, is working to register as many students as possible.
‘We are fundraising with the SRC. As of today, we have raised R9-million, and that still has to be allocated to students between now and Friday so they can register,” Patel said.
She says the institution simply cannot provide free studies.
“There are two things we can’t do: we can’t clear all historic debt, and we can’t provide free education.
Meanwhile the health of the protesting students continues to be affected by the hunger strike.
One student, Siviwe Mafuna, said some have become weak after their sugar levels dropped, but despite this, they remain resolute in their action.
“We are saying we will not eat until every unregistered student is registered, we are prepared to die in front of this cruel institution,” Mafuna said.