The University of Cape Town Council has approved a proposal by the executive for all students with historic debt to be allowed to register in 2021.

Council also resolved that UCT will make every effort to support students in the process of servicing their debt. R30 million has been made available to support criterion-based debt appeals for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

UCT spokesperson Elijah Moholola says the council has also noted with concern, the disturbing events unfolding at universities around the country and the heightened tense atmosphere on some campuses.

He says, “The funding crisis is indeed a national crisis. No university can solve it on its own. The higher education sector urgently needs intervention from the government.

Universities must put the students who are in desperate need of financial aid at the forefront of the thinking and planning in order to support the future and sustainability of higher education in South Africa.”