By Papama Meleni

Members from SASSFE Manco and the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) met in a crucial Year-End Strategy Workshop of the SASSFE Management Committee (Manco) to discuss important issues related to student education access. The meeting took place at Wits on 27 November 2024 and discussions focussed on programmes to assist students who are encountering financial obstacles to their academic advancement.

Key Discussions

Student Debt Challenge

The urgent problem of student debt, which keeps many qualified students from enrolling in their ongoing academic studies, was brought to light by the Wits SRC. In order to address this issue, representatives presented a comprehensive plan that emphasized the necessity of both short-term financial assistance and long-term systemic changes. In addition to targeted engagement with the Wits Administration to change the current registration and financial support procedures, the SRC suggested a multifaceted approach that includes robust fundraising activities to directly assist students with outstanding debt.

Potential Collaborative Programmes

SASSFE and the Wits SRC explored the possibility of working together on a number of beneficial projects. By offering full academic and personal development support in addition to financial aid, these possible collaborations seek to establish a more comprehensive support network for students. The conversations emphasized the organizations’ common goal of assisting individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds and removing obstacles to higher education.

SASSFE Management Committee Attendees

• Moss Mashishi
• Tebogo Thotela
• Kenneth Creamer
• Nompendulo Mkatshwa
• Mzwanele Ntshwanti
• Sthandiwe Msomi
• Papama Meleni

SRC Representatives

• Nombulelo Chiya (SRC president)
• Liyabona Baartman (SRC Treasurer General)

 

The Year-End Strategy Workshop drew on SASSFE’s fundamental tenet that a student’s educational options should be determined by their academic aptitude rather than their financial situation, furthering the organization’s ongoing goal of democratizing access to higher education. The conference was an important step in establishing more welcoming and encouraging educational pathways for Wits University students by uniting the SRC and SASSFE Manco.

The cooperative strategy under discussion is highly compatible with SASSFE’s overarching objectives of tackling educational disparities, promoting intellectual capital, and promoting social change through education. The organization’s creative approach to addressing systemic educational issues and laying the groundwork for significant projects in the upcoming year was demonstrated by this strategy workshop.