A new amendment to the National Credit Act could see students with debt blacklisted as soon as they graduate.
On August 13, 2025, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Parks Tau, submitted draft amendments to the National Credit Act, proposing that educational institutions may report student debt to credit bureaus. If passed, this would mean that graduates could be blacklisted for their debt. Public comment is open until September 12, 2025.
At first glance, this policy looks like accountability. But in reality, it is yet another tool that widens South Africa’s already staggering inequality gap. For wealthy families, paying university fees is not a burden. For the poor, especially the Black majority, it is another chain tying us down.
South Africa is already split in two: those who have, and those who struggle to survive. Instead of building bridges, the ruling party seems determined to burn them down, shutting off access and any chance to ever cross that bridge. The Afircan National Congress continues to oppress young people, creating more obstacles than opportunities. Instead of uplifting us, they are burying us deeper under the weight of policies that do not understand our lived realities.
Not every student has parents who can afford fees for tertiary education. Those who manage through bursaries and student loans, then graduate into an economy that demands work experience for jobs, while internships often pay next to nothing. The lucky few who evade unemployment through entry-level jobs can earn as little as R5000 a month. How must that cover rent, food, transport, and other essentials, and still stretch to settle student debt?
This amendment doesn’t simply manage debt, it weaponises it. It tells young South Africans that their dreams of education come with a punishment clause. That, unless you are privileged, your qualification is a curse that follows you into every financial decision, from applying for a job to renting a flat.
Are our leaders truly this blind? Or are they deliberately working against the success of young South Africans? Each new barrier makes it harder to believe they care.
But we are not powerless. The public has until September 12, 2025, to oppose this amendment. Send your comments to credit@thedtic.gov.za
Raise your voice, share your story, and remind those in power that the future of this country depends on its youth.
To the politicians who continue to oppress us: we will meet you at the ballot box.
FEATURED IMAGE: Graphic by: Dikeledi Ramabula
FEATURED ARTICLES:
- Wits Vuvuzela, Asinamali: Students push for graduation despite debt, Aug, 2019
- Wits Vuvuzela, Wits creates emergency fund to assist students with historical debt, February, 2018
