NSFAS News

Walter Sisulu University Under Fire – Student Death Highlights Deep-Rooted Issues

Published

1 month ago

April 18, 2025

Walter Sisulu University Under Fire – Student Death Highlights Deep-Rooted Issues. A tragic incident at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in Mthatha, South Africa, has brought to light longstanding concerns about student welfare, administrative transparency, and campus safety. The death of 24-year-old student Sisonke Mbolekwa during a protest over inadequate accommodation has sparked national outrage and prompted calls for systemic reforms.

Protest Turns Deadly

On April 15, 2025, students at WSU organized a protest to address the deteriorating conditions of their university-provided accommodations. The demonstration escalated when a university staff member allegedly opened fire on the protesters, resulting in Mbolekwa’s death and injuries to three others. The staff member’s wife was also seriously injured during the incident. Law enforcement authorities are currently investigating the matter, and no arrests have been made yet.

Was Mbolekwa a Registered Student?

In the aftermath, WSU initially claimed that Mbolekwa was not a registered student. However, Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane refuted this assertion, confirming that Mbolekwa was indeed enrolled and had been receiving financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). This discrepancy has raised serious questions about the university’s administrative processes and transparency.

Accreditation and Administrative Challenges

WSU has faced multiple controversies in recent years. In 2022, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande revealed that five courses offered by the university were unaccredited, including advanced diplomas in internal auditing and journalism, as well as postgraduate programs in zoology and chemical pathology. Additionally, in 2021, the university admitted to erroneously deregistering 127 students, preventing them from completing their final exams.

Frustration and Calls for Change

Student organizations have long expressed dissatisfaction with WSU’s handling of administrative and welfare issues. The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has criticized the university for its lack of transparency and failure to address student concerns adequately. The recent tragedy has intensified these sentiments, with calls for comprehensive reforms to ensure student safety and well-being.

Government Response

Minister Nkabane has pledged to conduct thorough investigations into the incident and the university’s administrative practices. She emphasized the need to review safety protocols across higher education institutions to prevent the “weaponizing and militarizing” of campuses. The Department of Higher Education and Training plans to work closely with WSU to implement necessary reforms and ensure accountability.

Conclusion

The death of Sisonke Mbolekwa has become a catalyst for examining deeper issues within WSU and the broader South African higher education system. As investigations continue and reforms are proposed, stakeholders hope this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes that prioritize student safety, transparency, and quality education.