Wits clears debt for 800 students to ease registration struggles

Vice Chancellor of Wits University Zeblon Vilakazi says they have set up a fund to cover the debt of some students.

This is as first-year and returning students struggle to register due to academic debt.

Vilakazi says the university has cleared the debt of 800 students.

“This year allowed 800 students who have in excess of 65% to have their debts cleared right from our [coffers] and we turn around R1.8 billion a year through various sources, including NSAFS, sponsorships, and guardians to support 26 000 students or so. Over R160 million that comes from the university [coffers] has gone into supporting both undergraduates and postgraduates on merit scholarships.”

It’s all systems go at Wits University as orientation starts: