A tense scene unfolded at Rhodes University in Makhanda on Friday, 2 October 2026, as police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse a group of about 100 students protesting outside a graduation ceremony for master's and doctoral students. The protest, which occurred just two days after a high court granted the university an interdict against continued protests, resulted in the arrest of 13 students. According to eyewitnesses, the students were demonstrating against the university's new fee payment protocol.
The university's new fee payment protocol has sparked controversy among students, who argue that it unfairly penalizes those who are struggling financially. Under the protocol, students who owe money will not be able to see their results, and will only be told whether they qualify for supplementary or aegrotat exams. Additionally, graduates who owe money can attend graduation, but they won't get their degree certificate until the debt is paid, and their transcripts won't be sent to other universities.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) has expressed concern about the police's use of rubber bullets and stun grenades, describing the gathering as a "silent protest" organised by "an unidentified group of students". In a statement, the SRC warned that the interim interdict remains in place and legally binds students to refrain from protest action. The council also called on the police to take into consideration that students are vulnerable and may not understand the extent of the implications of an interdict.
The university has defended its new fee payment protocol, saying it is part of measures to deal with outstanding student debt and to keep the university financially sustainable in the long term. According to the university's audited results for 2023, the amount it set aside for student debt it did not expect to recover rose from R24-million in 2022 to R91-million. Universities South Africa recently told Parliament that students owe universities R59-billion.
The SRC has proposed a "sliding scale" for students who cannot pay off their debt, under which students owing less than R10,000 would pay 50% upfront, those owing R10,000 to R49,999 would pay 40%, and those owing R50,000 or more would pay 30%. The SRC also wants a stop to the withholding of July and November results, which students need in order to apply for jobs or further studies, and for transcripts to be provided regardless of debt.
The university and the SRC have been engaged in talks, with the university saying that there has been "significant convergence on some of the issues" but that some matters "require further financial and operational modelling". A further meeting is planned for next week, after which recommendations will be made to the university council. The matter is set to return to court on 27 October.
The protest is part of a larger struggle by students across South Africa against fee hikes and debt. The Rhodes University protest highlights the ongoing challenges faced by students in accessing higher education, particularly in the context of financial constraints. The use of rubber bullets and stun grenades by the police has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of students.
Key points
- Thirteen students were arrested during the protest at Rhodes University.
- The university's new fee payment protocol has sparked controversy among students.
- The SRC has proposed a "sliding scale" for students who cannot pay off their debt.
