Latest News
Is our higher education system aligned with the National Development Plan (NDP) vision? A policy reflection
6th October 2025
By Papama Meleni, Wits Masters Candidate In 2012, the National Development Plan (NDP) imagined a South Africa where higher education would be a lever for justice—a system that expands opportunity,...
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SASSFE Welcomes the Appointment of Minister Buti Manamela and Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube to Lead the Higher Education Sector
22nd July 2025
The South African Student Solidarity Foundation for Education (SASSFE) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Minister Buti Manamela and Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube on their appointments to lead the Department...
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South Africa’s Higher Education Crisis: When Leadership Fails, Students Pay the Price
10th July 2025
By Papama Meleni Nomsa sits in the registration queue at 5 AM, her acceptance letter clutched in one hand, a crumpled R50 note in the other. She’s been here...
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From Social Relief of Distress (SRD) to Graduate Support
31st May 2025
By Papama Meleni In a nation where youth unemployment is a startling 58,7% and the unemployment rate is around 32.9%, South Africa faces a paradox that could jeopardize its...
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VAT Increases and Student Affordability: Balancing Economic Needs and Educational Access
30th March 2025
By Papama Meleni The 2025 Budget Speech by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has sparked a critical conversation about the economic pressures facing South African students. With proposed VAT rate...
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SASSFE and Wits SRC Collaborate at Year-End Strategy Workshop
1st December 2024
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...
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The Startup Campus: Why South African Universities Must Embrace Entrepreneurship
26th November 2024
By Papama Meleni Universities in South Africa are at a turning point in an era where creativity and flexibility are critical. A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem is more important than...
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Examining the challenges of keeping skilled academics in South African universities
28th October 2024
By Papama Meleni The phenomenon known as “brain drain,” in which highly qualified individuals leave South Africa in search of better prospects overseas, presents a serious problem for South...
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Can a 2024 GNU Bridge the Skills Gap? Aligning Higher Education with South Africa’s Economic Needs
24th September 2024
By Papama Meleni Significant economic issues confronting South Africa, one of which is the growing skills gap, are threatening the country’s ability to thrive and prosper. Considering that the unemployment...
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The Hidden Costs: Unravelling the Implications of Academic Exclusion in Higher Education
1st September 2024
By Papama Meleni Academic exclusion in South Africa is a persistent issue, affecting students’ dreams, potential, and perpetuating systemic barriers. Racial gaps in higher education are highlighted by the...
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