UWC back on track after 'troubled' start says new rector, amid protests at UCT and Wits

John Maytham talks to the new UWC rector and vice-chancellor amid disruptive protests at some other universities.

This week has seen protests at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) over students being unable to register because of historic debt, and the issue of housing.

At UCT, some lectures had to be moved online after protests disrupted classes.

CapeTalk's John Maytham talks to the newly sworn in rector and vice-chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

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While the country's universities share the same challenges, says Professor Robert John Balfour, UWC is back on track after getting off to a 'troubled' start to the academic year last week.

When it comes to the thorny issue of debt, Prof. Balfour highlights processes involving student leaders within the university, to try and help those affected.

"We had some disruptions to classes on campus last Monday and Tuesday, but then we met with our SRC at several points to look at the matter concerning financial care of students who are  deserving."

Prof. Robert John Balfour, Rector & Vice-Chancellor - UWC 

"It's a process that also involves student leadership in its orientation, so we work with a team from student life, from finance and financial aid, together with the SRC and then go through those instances where each student that needs to be cleared is looked at individually."

Prof. Robert John Balfour, Rector & Vice-Chancellor - UWC 

While payments from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have been a problem in the past, they were pleasantly surprised when an early payment was made to UWC this year, the rector adds.

This was a huge help, the rector says, enabling them to clear many students well in advance.

"I could see this year there was an effort to change that whole dynamic. We also have a new chair in the seat of NSFAS who came to talk to us about their processes."

Prof. Robert John Balfour, Rector & Vice-Chancellor - UWC

When it comes to last-minute student accommodation, Prof. Balfour says they rely on cooperation from the community which supplies private beds for those students who cannot be helped on campus.

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