Vice-Chancellors: ‘Funding of public higher education institutions is in crisis mode’

--:--
As the 2025 academic year begins, students, parents and public higher education institutions are grappling with anxiety and uncertainty regarding the prospects of a smooth start. Historically, the start of the academic year has often been marred by instability and disruptions, which may appear to pit students against universities. However, the core issue lies in the declining funding for public higher education in its entirety. Students and their families face persistent financial challenges, including unresolved university debt, the defunding of some National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)-supported students, inadequate funding for those outside the NSFAS framework and a shortage of suitable student accommodation. This time of year, forces many families to confront a critical question: how will they finance university studies? Phemelo speaks to Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Rhodes University, Professor Sizwe Mabizela.
21 Jan 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Music Feature: Famous songs used by politicians in campaigns

In this week’s Music Feature with musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal we explore the power of music to influence people and popular culture by looking at famous songs used by politicians in campaigns. These songs include Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come and Rise Up by Andra Day.
29 May 5PM 23 min

Police target gang kidnapping women in shopping centres Police hunting

Culprits in the recent murder Olorato Mongale say they have broken up a gang targeting women in shopping centres. The university student’s body was discovered on Sunday in Lombardy, north of Johannesburg, about two hours after she was reported missing having gone on a date. Late on Wednesday, they named…
29 May 5PM 16 min