Wits students protest over 2026 registration and historic debt

A group of Wits University students gathered at the Braamfontein campus on Friday to protest in solidarity with pupils unable to register for the 2026 academic year.

The students are demanding the immediate registration of all students, regardless of academic criteria or historical debt. 

They say exorbitant residence fees have created a cycle of debt that bars thousands from the system.

They are also calling for a two-week extension of the registration period – but the university says a further extension will only delay registration until the end of the term, which would be to the students' detriment.

Wits spokesperson Shirona Patel said while the university respects the right to peaceful protest, it warned it would act if the rights of others were violated.

"The university has already made substantial concessions and assisted students as far as possible. To this end, the university has the Wits Registration Assistance Fund and the SRC Access Fund, which collectively have disbursed about R26 million to students this year for registration and accommodation."