- Rhodes University students suspended lectures, tutorials and all other academic activities after protest action blocked campus entrances.
- The SRC says management did not adequately address concerns about the 2027 fee payment protocol during Monday night’s meeting.
- The university says Council approved the protocol to address outstanding student debt and support the university’s long-term financial sustainability.
Rhodes University students escalated their fight against the 2027 Protocol on the Payment of Student Fees by blocking campus entrances and bringing the institution to a standstill.
The protest follows several meetings between student representatives and the university, including dining hall visits and discussions with student leaders on 24 September 2026, as well as talks with university leadership leading up to Monday night’s meeting.
The SRC convened an Emergency Student Body Meeting on 28 September 2026, where executive management was expected to explain the financial protocol and the reasons behind it.
After Monday night’s meeting, students were still dissatisfied with the response to their concerns and gave the SRC a mandate to suspend the academic programme. They then resolved not to attend lectures, tutorials or any other academic activities until further notice.
Payment requirements at centre of dispute
The dispute centres on the 2027 protocol, which requires self-funding undergraduate students with outstanding balances to pay at least 50 percent of their debt and commit to monthly payments of at least R3,000 towards the rest of what they owe.
Students without confirmed NSFAS funding will also not be allowed to move into residence if their outstanding debt at registration is more than R25,000.
The SRC has questioned whether students facing financial difficulties can meet these requirements, saying the university needs to consider the financial situation of its student body.
Student leaders say they have engaged with the university throughout 2026 on financial sustainability, including workshops aimed at finding an approach that better reflects the circumstances of Rhodes students.
The SRC also raised concerns earlier this year about the university’s payment requirements. According to the SRC, an initial 50 percent payment requirement was reduced to 20 percent after engagement with management. The SRC says the latest protocol has brought those concerns back to the centre of the dispute.
University says Council approved protocol
The 2027 protocol was approved by the Rhodes University Council as a way to address outstanding student debt and support the institution’s long-term financial sustainability.
The SRC and student representatives raised concerns about the protocol and its impact on students during Monday night’s meeting. However, the university later said the demands in the SRC memorandum need further consideration and, where necessary, decisions by Council.
The university then communicated this position to the SRC and the rest of the student body, and remains committed to ongoing engagement to find a way forward.
Protest blocks campus entrances
The protest led to entrances to campus being blocked, making it difficult to access the institution. In response, academic staff were asked to continue making teaching and learning materials and other academic work available online.
Staff whose work can be done without being on campus may work remotely but have been asked to remain available in case the situation changes.
Essential services will continue as circumstances allow, and staff have been told to monitor official university communication channels for updates.
SRC calls for peaceful action
The SRC reminded students that protest action must remain peaceful, responsible and within the law.
The SRC also warned against violence, intimidation, vandalism, destruction of property or any other actions that could lead to legal or disciplinary consequences for students.
Student leaders promised to keep organising and engaging with management while working toward a solution to the dispute. The university also repeated its commitment to working with the SRC and students.
The protest comes as the university also deals with the postponement of a memorial service for its former Registrar, Professor Adele Moodly. The service will now be held on a date yet to be determined.
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