Planned students’ march to NSFAS and Parliament

Dear colleagues and students

I am writing regarding the planned student march to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Parliament of the Republic of South Africa concerning ongoing funding issues, specifically in relation to the accommodation cap. The march is scheduled for Thursday, 27 August 2026.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) leadership recognises the significant impact that NSFAS-related funding challenges have on financially-vulnerable students. We also recognise and respect the right of students to participate in peaceful and lawful protest and to express their concerns on matters directly affecting them.

The Students’ Representative Council (SRC) has obtained a Section 4 certificate from the City of Cape Town, and marshals will be organised accordingly. 

The university expects the march to be peaceful and lawful. Students participating in the march are encouraged to follow the guidance of the organisers and to comply with all applicable laws and safety requirements.

The executive has engaged with the SRC in relation to the march. Out of these engagements, the executive has agreed to a number of measures to be put in place to support students who wish to participate in the march.

These measures include the provision of transport for the march. Shuttles will depart in the morning from campus to the NSFAS offices, and return from Parliament in the afternoon. Further specific details in this regard will be communicated by the SRC.

Following consideration of a request by the SRC, the executive has decided that faculties should put in place reasonable concessions and accommodations to enable students who wish to participate in the march to do so.

Students who wish to participate in the march will not be academically disadvantaged.

Faculties and departments will make appropriate arrangements, where reasonably possible. These arrangements may include reasonable opportunities to access missed teaching and, where applicable, alternative arrangements for compulsory academic activities.

UCT acknowledges the importance of the issues being raised and remains committed to engaging constructively with student representatives and relevant stakeholders regarding NSFAS and the broader challenges affecting students.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide further communication should circumstances require it.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

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