Holding power to account is imperative for functioning democracy
The 19th Taco Kuiper Awards served as a reminder of the vital role investigative journalism plays in holding power to account. The stories uncovered wrongdoing and injustice. The annual awards ceremony hosted by the Wits Centre for Journalism was held at Sakhumzi Zoo lake on Friday, April 11.
News24’s Sikonathi Mantshantsha earned top recognition for his explosive series Waste Land, which revealed the devastating collapse of sewage and sanitation infrastructure in Mogale City Municipality.
Having returned to the newsroom after working for Eskom, Mantshantsha reflected on how much this award means to him. “For me to still get full acceptance back into the newsroom after three years of national service was a great honour, and the fact that nearly a year after coming back, I am awarded like this tops it all, it’s the highlight of my career,” said Mantshantsha.
The runner-up prize went to Dewald Van Rensburg of amaBhungane for his intricate series The Laundry, which investigated an elaborate money-laundering operation involving billions of rands and international networks.
Van Rensburg said, “It is fantastic to have the kind of work we do acknowledged because it is very specialised and it is nice to know that people appreciate it.”
The ceremony also cast a light on the often-unseen burdens borne by journalists and their sources. Bianca Goodson, the Trillian whistleblower who helped expose the dodgy dealings between the Gupta-linked Trillian, Eskom, and Transnet delivered an emotional keynote address.
She spoke about the personal cost of coming forward and extended heartfelt thanks to those who supported her and her daughter throughout the ordeal. “I feel very strongly that if it wasn’t for not just amaBhungane but also other journalists that supported not just my narrative, but everyone else that came together, I don’t think my daughter and I would be here today,” she said.
As the country continues to grapple with corruption, inequality, and systematic failure, the journalists honoured this year demonstrated that there are still those willing to speak truth to power.
FEATURED IMAGE: From left to right: Taco Kuiper Awards convenor, Beauregard Tromp; 2025 winner, Sikonathi Mantshantsha and Taco Kuiper judge, Tom Cloete. Photo: Paul Botes
A new health scare rears its head as faster spreading variant makes its way to the country.
The Mpox virus has a new mutation that has a higher infection rate and speed
It has the ability to spread through bodily fluids, skin to skin contact, coughing and mucus.
The head of Wits University’s campus health division calls on students to be vigilant during this time.
A new, highly infectious variant of the Mpox virus called, Clade 1b has officially reached South African shores, with Gauteng being its landing ground. Unlike the previous variant (Clade 2) Clade b1 is spread through mucus, bodily fluids, skin to skin contact and coughing.
According to a statement released by the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) in March 2025, seven labs in Gauteng had reported to have detected the new variant.
“We tend to let our guard down at times. When you look at a lot of viruses, all that they need us to do is be vigilant and avoid contact with infected people”, said Tshidiso Ntshabele, Wits University’s campus health and wellness head. According to Ntshabele, with the help of the Wits campus health and wellness center’s Infection Prevention and control policy, the center would be prepared if the spread of the virus escalated.
Infographic showing the nature of the new variant and how to prevent it from spreading. Photo: Created on Canva.
South Africa is not the first African country to experience a breakout of the new variant. The city of Kampala in Uganda was one of the places in which the first South African Clade b1 patient had just visited before it was discovered in Gauteng. As it stands the NICD has traced two groups of the virus with the first group being traced to the patient who had recently visited Kampala and the second group being traced to a similar area in Gauteng.
“I would advise students to familiarize themselves with the signs and symptoms of viruses, and most importantly always avoid contact with someone who might think has any kind of virus,” says Ntshabele.
These are the very same sentiments held by the NICD as there is currently no cure or vaccine for the Mpox virus or its new variant.
FEATURED IMAGE:An animated illustration of a Virus from Prevention Magazine. Photo: Pinterest
Wits Tang Soo Do athletes are facing major financial hurdles which may prevent them from representing their country.
Athletes need R50 000 each to go to the championships, the university can only cover up to R10 000
Donations are being collected through a GoFundMe campaign
Half the team may have to forfeit their participation
Eleven athletes from Wits Tang Soo Do have been selected to represent South Africa at the World Championships in Scotland this August, but with funding falling short, the team is calling on the Wits community, alumni, and the public to help cover the remaining costs.
The Wits Tang Soo Do Team poses proudly after an intense training session on campus. Photo: Supplied/Keneilwe Sekwale
This prestigious selection marks a significant achievement not only for the athletes but also for Wits University’s legacy in sports. However, they are facing financial difficulties.
According to the club’s Chairperson, Lethabo Rabothata, each athlete will need approximately R50 000 to cover expenses such as flights, accommodation, and food for approximately ten days. Wits Sports is only able to contribute between R5 000 and R10 000 per athlete, leaving a massive shortfall. When contacted for comment, Nontuthuko Simelane from Wits Sports said they were not the relevant party to comment on the matter.
The club has launched a GoFundMe campaign and recently hosted a self-defense seminar to raise funds. Wits Tang Soo Do instructor, Master Gregory Hart said, “The club has a GoFundMe campaign, and I think that’s a really good way that the public can get involved because whether you got R20 or R2 000 that all adds up.”
What started out as a moment of celebration has quickly turned bittersweet. Some athletes are now reconsidering their participation. According to Hart, more than half of the selected athletes may not be able to go.
Lethabo Hatang, one of the selected athletes said, “I really do want to represent my club and the country, but the financial burden is quite demotivating.”
The situation has also reignited calls for greater institutional investment in university sports. “The University is not only for academic excellence but also the sporting opportunities it provides. Wits can provide life-changing opportunities not just in terms of their degrees but also in terms of exposure to different sports,” said Hart.
For Wits Tang Soo Do, this journey is about more than medals. It’s about national pride, representation, and the hope of inspiring the next generation of martial artists.
FEATURED IMAGE: One Team. One Spirit. Tang Soo Do! Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
The newly introduced student contract at Wits is not just a bureaucratic document – it is a silent threat to the academic futures of many.
Disguised as a formality, the student contract introduced in 2025, contains conditions that are not only unjust but it is also out of touch with the lived realities of the very students the institution claims to uplift.
Among its many rigid conditions, the contract states that it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all fees are paid on time and within the year of study. This includes tuition and accommodation fees, regardless of whether the surety is a parent, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), or a bursary sponsor.
According to the 2025 comprehensive university fees book, fees are due and payable by June 30, 2025. Failure to meet the deadline may result in the denial of access to university facilities, libraries, or even student accommodation. Let’s be clear; this policy is unfair, it is punitive, and insensitive to the everyday struggles of students.
A section from the contract outlining the university’s conditions regarding fees. Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
Much of the student populace is made up of those from historically disadvantaged and economically vulnerable backgrounds. Some were only able to register through the university’s hardship fund. Others were housed in residences through hardship accommodation because they had nowhere else to go. These are not students who are refusing to pay, they simply cannot afford to.
Equally disappointing is the Wits Student Representative Council’s (SRC) delayed response. It wasn’t until students began raising concerns on social media – after the university’s reminder to students, to sign the contract before the deadline on April 2 – that the SRC finally spoke up on April 1. Why did it take public pressure for them to act? Why were they quiet then? Why are they quiet now?
Many students signed this contract, not because they agreed with it, but because they were scared. Scared of being blocked from registration. Scared of being left behind. Scared of the unknown consequences if they didn’t comply.
A contract signed under duress is not a contract freely entered into. It raises serious ethical questions about informed consent and institutional power.
Wits students brace for the impact of a VAT increase, as stagnant NSFAS allowances fail to keep with inflation and rising daily expenses.
A 0.5 percentage point VAT increase takes effect on May 1, 2025, raising concerns over affordability of essentials for Wits students.
NSFAS-funded students say their allowances don’t keep up with inflation, forcing spending cuts on food, toiletries, and daily essentials.
Wits University says it cannot exceed funder limits or risk its financial sustainability.
With the cost of living sky-high, Wits University students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) are preparing for another financial hit, a 0.5 percentage point increase in Value-Added Tax (VAT) set to take effect on May 1, 2025.
Finance minister, Enoch Godongwana, said the increase was necessary to increase public revenue.
Dr Jerome Lange, an economics lecturer at Wits University, said the impact is tangible for low-income students. “They might opt to not spend that extra unit to buy bread or electricity if it’s more expensive.”
He raised concerns about the fairness of the tax. “It’s not a measure that works toward equality. Structures like NSFAS safeguard students against poverty, but 0.5 percentage points can still make a difference. Wits is already financially squeezed and limited in the kind of relief it can offer students,” he said.
Government intends to expand VAT zero-rated food items but the risk for students remains high.
A basket of zero-rated food items, including brown bread, eggs, cooking oil, milk, potatoes, onions, and rice, essentials for food security among students. These items are exempt from VAT, according to the South African Revenue Service’s 2022 VAT guide. Photo: LikhoMbuka
Owame Mfeka, a second-year student said, “The potential for inflation remains. NSFAS allowances are not adjusted for inflation, meaning our purchasing power keeps declining.” He said, “to meaningfully support students, allowances should rise at inflation rate.”
Sibahle Majingo, a second-year student, said he’s already making tough decisions about spending. “Even though the NSFAS allowance increased slightly this year, it’s still not enough. I have to prioritise food and toiletries, look for discounts, and reduce all non-essentials, takeaways or entertainment.”
Majingo, who also sends money home, said he may need to take on part-time work to cope. “It’s frustrating because the cost of living rises faster than our support. Wits could help by reducing residence prices and ensuring timely allowance payments,” he said.
But Wits spokesperson, Shirona Patel, said the university cannot exceed limits of funder allocations or risk financial sustainability, saying rising costs affect staff, students, and suppliers.
As VAT increases and the economic pinch tightens, many students fear the strain on their finances will not only affect their pockets but their ability to focus on their academic goals.
With limited institutional flexibility and slow-moving adjustments from NSFAS, the question remains: Who will cushion the students from the ripple effects of this tax increase?
FEATURE IMAGE: A R10 note and coins, the reality for many students surviving on limited monthly allowances. Even a 0.5 percentage point VAT increase can significantly affect purchasing power. Photo: Likho Mbuka
Deaf Culture takes centre stage through short films, art exhibitions and visual arts.
The Wits Centre for Deaf Studies hosted South Africa’s Deaf Art and Film Festival (DAFF) on March 28, 2025, at the Space Frame Auditorium on the Wits Education Campus in Parktown, providing a platform for hearing-impaired creatives and storytellers to share their culture, identity, and lived experiences.
Sponsors of National Lotteries Commission by DAFF
The event, sponsored by the National Lotteries Commission, brought together members of the Deaf community, students, artists, academics, and allies for an afternoon that was as moving as it was inspiring.
Despite the absence of traditional sound, the festival is far from silent. It bursts with energy and emotion through visual storytelling and physical movement. Live performances include sign language poetry, visual music, and deaf theatre that incorporates bold gestures, expressive faces, and dynamic body language. Dance groups choreograph pieces to vibrations and rhythms felt through the floor, often using lighting cues and visual effects to guide timing.
A major highlight of the event was the screening of work created by 15 deaf interns, who spent the past six months training in a first-of-its-kind film production internship programme launched by the Centre.
Under the guidance of Nenio Mbazima, video producer at the Centre for Deaf Studies and project lead of the internship, these young filmmakers gained skills in cinematography, editing, and storytelling.“The journey hasn’t always been easy, many of them had never touched a camera before, But these interns showed incredible determination, they’ve grown into confident visual storytellers, and their films are not only technically excellent but deeply personal” said Mbazima.
When asked about the vision behind the event, the director of the for Centre for Deaf Studies and the festival’s lead organiser.
Prof. Claudine Storbeck, explained “This is the first time many of these stories are being told by deaf people themselves, in their own language, on their own terms. It’s about recognising Deaf culture not just as a disability narrative, but as a vibrant, creative identity.”
The short films shown were rich in personal narrative, emotion, and creativity, reflecting stories of identity, everyday challenges, and triumphs of deaf individuals in South Africa. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause and emotional engagement and many visibly moved by the film’s messages.
Nenio Mbazima and two interns Nombulelo Dakayi and Linda Majola by Bontle Malowa
One of the interns, Nombulelo Dakayi, shared how being part of the programme has changed her life.
“I was very shy and terrible at filming, but I never saw myself represented in the industry,” she said through a South African Sign Language (SASL) interpreter. “Now, I feel seen. I feel powerful.”
Another intern, Linda Majola, highlighted the importance of telling stories in SASL, “It’s our language, our voice. It’s how we connect with each other and the world,” she said. “Through film, we can show people what it really means to be deaf in South Africa”.
The festival concluded with a graduation ceremony where the interns were awarded certificates of completion, symbolising not just the end of training but the beginning of promising creative careers.
FEATURED IMAGE: The 15 deaf interns in the arts and film production. Photo: Bontle Malowa
Wits students are on different pages when it comes to volunteering for nongovernmental organisations.
Wits students actively engage with outreach project tables, taking a break from their studies to explore opportunities and broaden their involvement.
Students voice the benefits and challenges of volunteering, emphasizing its impact on personal growth and mental health.
Over 600 Wits students actively contribute to social justice, embodying the spirit of Ubuntu through volunteerism.
Volunteerism was spotlighted at the NGO Fair on April 10, 2025, hosted by Wits Citizenship Community Outreach (WCCO) on the library lawns. The fair, decorated with close to 30 NGOs, was a call for students to learn about services available and opportunities for volunteering, tutoring, and interning as agents of social change.
Students signing up for volunteer work with Sunshine Association Centre. Photo: Lukholo Mazibuko
From foundations advocating for human rights to education on genital health, WCCO’s liaison of the fair, Mabalane Nzapheza said that hosting a fair for NGOs “is a significant event for us as it always allows students and the Wits community to make a positive and impactful contribution to the agenda of social justice”.
While the fair successfully drew a large turnout throughout the day and showcased diverse initiatives, it also sparked a range of perspectives on volunteerism itself —raising questions about its value, accessibility and role in the lives of busy university students.
Shirley Matlala, a third-year biological sciences student, said that volunteering serves as a reminder that a person is more than just their career and can find fulfilment and self-worth in contributing. “You learn more about yourself when volunteering. It really helps you get a feel of other skills that you have outside of math [for example] and it’s just a daily reminder that you are better and more than your career”, she said.
Echoing the sentiment Ntsako Hlahleni, a third-year media studies student said: “I’m a final year student I’ve gotten to a point where my dissertation is coming to an end …and I need something to ground me. I think that I am capable of helping people in certain areas.”
She also expressed that she withheld from volunteering in her previous years because it required way more time than she could offer, a discovery that also made Masande Mfihlo, a third-year Bcom student, stop after first year. This aligns with Karuna Singh’s, manager of WCCO, observations that getting students to be consistent in their volunteering over a long period is more challenging than recruiting them.
Students engaging with outreach project, UNICEF. Photo: Lukholo Mazibuko
Faith Shongwe, a fourth-year BA social work student, believes, “Generally, people see volunteering as a waste of time. They realise that ‘Oh, I don’t have the resources and the money to go to those places’, but they don’t understand that it has a greater benefit to them and their livelihoods.” Contributing to NGOs reaching more communities, gaining a social conscience, and achieving social justice are a few of the many benefits of volunteering.
Despite this, volunteerism is still popular at Wits. “The numbers of student volunteers are increasing,” says Singh and Nzapheza proudly remarks on the significant improvement in participation among Witsies this year. “Over 600 active volunteers dedicate their time, skills, and most importantly, humanity, to giving back to society. We witness the spirit of Ubuntu every day”, said Nzapheza.
Praise Sibuyi, a master’s student in social psychological research, pointed out that apprehension towards volunteering sometimes boils down to safeguarding one’s mental health as entering communities that reflect your situation can serve as a trigger.
FEATURED IMAGE: Master’s students Praise Sibuyi and Thami Moropa holding a board cut out of the Ford Foundation, an NGO, alongside one of its volunteers. Photo: Lukholo Mazibuko
From restoring bridges to brightening streets, Jozi My Jozi is bringing new life to the heart of Johannesburg—one project at a time.
Founded in 2023 with Wits University as one of the founding partners, Jozi My Jozi is a non-profit dedicated to revitalizing Johannesburg’s inner city through safety, education, arts, and economic development.
Jozi My Jozi is dedicated to bringing together individuals from all walks of life in order to improve Johannesburg’s inner city. The organisation is passionate about the city’s renaissance, and seeks to raise pride, inspire optimism, and establish a citizen-led movement based on constitutional principles. Jozi My Jozi enables communities to create sustainable solutions that improve safety, foster growth, and create a more resilient and livelier Johannesburg through cooperation and creativity.
Jozi My Jozi has spearheaded several impactful projects across Johannesburg, working closely with government, businesses, and local communities.
One standout initiative was the cleanup around Ellis Park ahead of a rugby match in August 2023. “We worked with the City of Johannesburg, businesses, and precinct managers to clean up the area,” said Communications Manager Innocent Mabusela.
clean up that happened ahead of the August rugby match 2023 at the Ellis Park stadium.
He added that they also partnered with PSA to improve public transport access to the stadium. Another key project was restoring Nelson Mandela Bridge, a high-traffic route used by Wits students and staff. “The bridge had broken glass and was covered in graffiti—we fixed it, cleaned it, and lit it up,” Mabusela said, noting increased usage since the improvements.
solar panels that were installed by the Nelson Mandela bridge
Jozi My Jozi has also installed over 650 solar-powered streetlights to combat cable theft and improve safety. “This year, we are continuing the project, focusing on walkable routes heavily used by pedestrians,” he said, emphasising the initiative’s role in making the city safer.
lights that help locals on the road and those walking across the Nelson Mandela bridge see better at night to avoid getting mugged.
Education plays a vital role in Jozi My Jozi’s mission to revitalize Johannesburg’s inner city. Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Mabusela shared that Anglo American has donated a building in Marshalltown to Wits University. “Wits Business School will now have students and lecturers using this space for their lectures,” Mabusela said. He added that this initiative will have a meaningful impact on the area. “It will really add value by bringing more activity and opportunities into the inner city,” he said.
A key part of this movement is student involvement, and Jozi My Jozi is actively working to expand its student chapter. When asked if there are any research, internship, or volunteering opportunities for Wits students—given that Wits is a partner of the organization—Mabusela shared that Jozi My Jozi is increasing efforts to engage students. “This year, we’ve actually been increasing momentum in terms of the establishment of our student chapter,” he revealed.
He explained that students from both the University of Johannesburg and Wits are being encouraged to take part, especially since many of them live and study in the inner city. “We believe that we’d want them to be the ones who are really going to drive the sustainability of the projects that we implement,” he said, emphasising that these young leaders will play a crucial role in shaping the city’s future.
Jozi My Jozi is offering students various ways to get involved, from volunteering in community cleanups to using their academic skills in real-world projects. “We need them to come on board and become part of our volunteers,” Mabusela said, highlighting the importance of student participation in bi-weekly cleanups.
Beyond that, he encouraged students to contribute their expertise. “Students have skills, and it is quite important that those who are studying, whichever degree, and they think that those skills that they have, they can actually come to use,” he added. By involving students now, Jozi My Jozi aims to create a generation that will carry its mission forward in the years to come.
Funding is essential for Jozi My Jozi, but the organization secures support based on specific projects rather than general donations. “We go to our funders with a project proposal, its cost, and required work,” he said. Funders then choose to fully or partially support it. “We don’t ask for money—we secure funding based on the projects we implement,” Mabusela said.
Jozi My Jozi’s efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration in transforming Johannesburg’s inner city. Through projects that enhance safety, infrastructure, and public spaces, the organization is creating a more livable and vibrant environment for residents, students, and businesses alike.
FEATURED IMAGE: Jozi my Jozi members doing a cleanup by Park station where commuters usually walk. Photo by. Jozi my Jozi
To meet persistent service delivery needs, the government has proposed a VAT increase of 1% over two years, raising the rate to 16% by 2026/27.
Finance Minister Enoch Gondongwana finally delivered the 2025 Budget speech on March 12, after a shock cancellation in February. The approval process will follow, with Parliament set to review, debate, and vote on the proposal.
While much of the public debate has focused on the proposed VAT increase, Gondongwana said “the central issue is fostering economic growth for the majority. Over the past decade, South Africa’s economy has stagnated, with GDP growth averaging under two percent”.
To achieve the country’s goals of redistribution and structural transformation, a faster, more inclusive economy is essential.
The 2025 budget outlines a strategy centered on “macroeconomic stability, structural reforms, infrastructure investment, and improving state capability to unlock the country’s productive capacity,” said Gondongwana.
With fiscal stability in focus, the budget also targets reducing debt-service costs and addressing critical issues like Eskom’s debt. Stabilising the economy, enhancing job creation, and advancing social services, are all at the top of the list.
Infrastructure remains a key focus in the 2025 Budget, with over R1 trillion allocated to capital spending over the next three years. Key areas of investment include R402 billion for transport, R219.2 billion for energy, and R156.3 billion for water and sanitation.
Projects such as upgrading roads, rebuilding the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa’s infrastructure, and expanding water systems are central to driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving public services. Public-private partnerships and innovative financing, including an infrastructure bond and credit guarantee vehicle, will further support these efforts.
Godongwana said the VAT increase could help meet persistent service delivery needs. It is expected to generate R28 billion in 2025/26 and R14.5 billion in 2026/27. After weighing alternatives like increasing corporate or personal income taxes, the VAT increase was deemed the most viable option to avoid further spending cuts and ensure essential services continue.
In social security, R284.7 billion is allocated to grants, with increases for the elderly, disabled, and child support. The COVID-19 Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grant will continue until March 2026, with 28 million beneficiaries set to benefit.
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) receives R3.5 billion this year and an additional R4 billion for improved tax collection. Efforts to broaden the tax base and improve compliance will help fund essential government services.
For early childhood development and education, the government allocates R10 billion to increase subsidies and expand access to early education for 700,000 more children. This investment supports the foundation for a better future workforce.
In addition to these measures, funding is set aside for critical health and security services, including a R28.9 billion boost to healthcare to retain workers and ensure adequate staffing in hospitals.
But none of these measures can be implemented without a majority vote in favour, so all eyes will be on parliamentarians for what happens next.
FEATURED IMAGE: The cost of living: South African Rands may not stretch as far if proposed VAT increase takes effect. Photo: Adobe Stock
While mainstream media often chases the sensational and the spotlight, Ishan Tankha’s lens seeks out the silenced revealing the lives and stories that slip through the cracks.
The Wits Centre for Journalism hosted independent documentary photographer, Ishan Tankha, on March 4, in a seminar about photojournalism’s preoccupation with the spectacular. Tankha is known for his compelling portrayal of the marginalised and forgotten.
His work, which spans continents, from his homeland in India to the United States, reflects his dedication to telling the stories of those often overlooked by mainstream media.
Tankha’s photographic journey is deeply rooted in his commitment to uncovering the narratives of people caught in the “in-between” — those who are typically absent from the headlines, such as minorities, displaced communities, and individuals enduring the effects of conflict. His focus is on capturing raw, untold stories that challenge perceptions and humanize complex social and political issues.
During his presentation, Tankha spoke candidly about his approach to documentary photography, emphasising that his work cannot be summed up in a single sentence.
Rather than taking a surface-level view of global conflicts, his work delves into the lives of individuals caught in the throes of war, violence, famine, and unrest. What sets him apart is his patience and dedication to his subjects.
He shared that, at times, he spends years observing and building trust with the people he captures, allowing their stories to unfold in a way that goes beyond what is immediately visible. This long-term commitment is essential to truly understanding the nuances of their lives, creating images that resonate deeply with audiences and spark conversation.
Tankha’s exploration of conflict through photography is not just about documenting the chaos but about interrogating the broader implications of these events on human lives. He aims to reveal the extraordinary situations of ordinary people living in extreme conditions. His focus is not just on the grand, often violent narratives of war or famine but on the silent struggles of individuals who are left behind by history, their stories ignored or forgotten by the world.
Having exhibited his work both in the United States and India, Tankha’s photography transcends borders. His powerful images are a call to attention — a reminder that there is always more to a story than what is immediately apparent.
Through his lens, he challenges the dominant narratives of conflict, shedding light on the quiet, complex, and often painful realities faced by individuals who live in the shadows of history. His work is a vital contribution to the world of photojournalism, ensuring that the stories of the most vulnerable are not only told but understood.
FEATURED IMAGE: Motorcyclists in India as seen through the lens of Ishan Tankha. Photo by: Ishan Tankha
The cost of living is still under pressure as rising inflation patterns continue.
On 26 February 2025, Statistics South Africa (SA) released the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January, which has been raised to 3.2%, up from 3.0% in December 2024.
The CPI measures the average change of prices of goods and services typically bought by South Africans. It is a key indicator of inflation as it shows how the cost of living is rising or falling.
The contributors to the annual inflation rate include housing and utilities, food and non-alcoholic beverages, and restaurants and accommodation services.
The increase in prices affects people at all levels, including cash-strapped students. Luthando Nzama, a second year Fine Arts Student at the Wits School of Arts (WSOA), said students can’t keep up. “Whenever we go to Checkers or shopping centre’s the prices are really high and that affects the amount of groceries we (can buy),” she said.
Sizwe Gumede, a second year Civil Engineering student at Wits University has also experienced the brunt of inflation. “Based on my experience, we aren’t able to afford some of the services and goods that we need,” he said.
Gumede said many students struggle to buy themselves essentials such as toiletries and thinks increased allowances may help.
“I heard that NSFAS will be going up, but for the past couple of years it’s been at the same rate while inflation is increasing. This left us students vulnerable to not (being able to) survive off this kind of funding,” he added. Last week, NSFAS confirmed that allowances for university students would increase by 4% and 46% for those studying at TVET colleges.
Various sources have researched the monthly average students need to get by, it ranges between R1500 to R3000 for groceries alone and between R500 and R1000 for other personal items.
As inflation increases, young people on the ground continue to be affected by the rising cost of living and are attempting to make ends meet.
FEATURED IMAGE: South African cash notes. Photo: File.
Several unregistered students have embarked on a hunger strike to protest and fight for academic registration.
Poster reading, “We will not eat until all unregistered students are registered.” Photo: Siyanda Mthethwa.
The 2025 academic year at Wits University has begun, but some students haven’t been able to resume their studies and register successfully due to financial constraints.
In a statement, the university said 37 295 out of 38 000 students have registered, representing 95% of the eligible student population. In addition, over R2 billion in funding has been raised to assist students. While the university “is doing everything possible within its means to support students”, it “cannot erase all historic student debt fund” without risking bankruptcy.
Starting on 14 February 2025, a number of unregistered students spearheaded the protest for unregistered peers through a hunger strike.
Feziwe Ndwayana, an activist and Master’s student, who has been unable to register, is leading the charge. She believes that education is a right and that black students who are unable to register will be forced to “go back to the township, they must go back to the rural areas where they will become victims of crime.”
She said the peaceful protest is “ an expression of love for our country and all the poor black students on our campus. But also, it’s a symbol of the violence in the institution to deny ourselves food.”
Videos circulating on social media show Ndwayana and Siviwe Mafuna, another unregistered student partaking in the hunger strike, in a scuffle with campus control. The pair alleged that a prayer session with a traditional healer was interrupted.
In a different video seen by Wits Vuvuzela, campus control can be seen grabbing one of the unregistered students and violently escorting them out of the SRC offices.
Shirona Patel, Head of Wits Communication, questioned the motives of the hunger strike. “Please note that the two mature individuals in the SRC Boardroom who claim to be on a hunger strike are not registered students, nor SRC members. In fact, one was a former SRC President from about 10 years ago, who has worked as a journalist. They each have two qualifications from Wits and are now demanding funding for a third qualification. Is this fair? Should they not be paying their own way?” said Patel.
In response, Ndwayana said the hunger strike is bigger than the pair and is supported by solidarity groups such as Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee, and the Socialist Youth Movement (SYM).
Left to Right: Siviwe Mafuna, Feziwe Ndwayana, Mahlatse Letoka, partaking in hunger strike. Photo: Siyanda Mthethwa.
“The fact that we have work experience doesn’t mean that we must keep quiet in the face of injustice. And the fact that one was an SRC president (myself, by the way) here at Wits, it means that we are able to use our experience,” added Ndwayana
Patel said the university and the Wits SRC have had “productive meetings” on the matter and an estimated R9 million will be raised “by the end of the week (R4.5 million from students, matched by the University).”
Ndwayana claims this shows how unsupportive the SRC has been of their efforts. “What we’ve seen is them going behind our backs to meetings and taking money, like the one that you spoke about, taking money from the VC. When we had an agreement that we are in this fight together until all unregistered students are registered. Now, they are sellouts. because they’re going around taking money from VC and going off the course, having private conversations about us and not informing us.”
Ndwayana also claims that the SRC has taken ownership of the hunger strike. “Riding on the wave that we have created with our solidarity movement, going around saying that they’re part of the hunger strike, but none of them have been on a hunger strike. None of them have sacrificed eating. None of them have been with us. For a single day, none of them have asked about our well-being and how we’re doing,” she said.
Members of the SRC were approached by Wits Vuvuzela for comment on this accusation but have yet to respond. Instead, a public statement was issued on February 19, highlighting their solidarity with the strike and “academically deserving students” in need.
As of writing, the unregistered students are on their sixth day of the hunger strike and are hoping for a speedy resolution.
FEATURED IMAGE: Shirt reading: “We will not eat until all unregistered students are registered.” Photo: Siyanda Mthethwa.
In episode six of We Should Be Writing season 7, the team unpacked the evolution of music as a form of expression and protest, through four decades in the South African context. The episode explores the journey of South African music and its consumers from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and contemporary listeners. From the […]
