Are Our Campuses Safe? Unpacking the Unrest at South African Universities
Campus unrest has once again gripped South African universities in 2025, raising urgent questions about student safety, academic stability, and institutional accountability. Student protests, financial aid delays, and security concerns have disrupted learning environments across the country. As tensions grow from Gauteng to KwaZulu-Natal, many are asking a critical question: Are our campuses truly safe?
This article takes a deep dive into the latest developments, student perspectives, and what authorities are doing to restore safety and order.
ALSO READ: A Complete Guide to Universities in Gauteng – Courses, Fees & Rankings
Why South African Universities Are Facing Unrest in 2025
The 2025 academic year started with disruption at several major institutions, including the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
Key drivers of the unrest include:
- Delays in NSFAS funding disbursements
- Student accommodation shortages
- Unresolved historical debt is preventing registration
- Calls for free and decolonised education
- Heavy-handed security and police presence on campuses
Students have voiced growing frustration with the slow administrative processes and lack of financial support. For many, access to education remains a daily struggle. Campus protests have frequently turned tense, with reports of stun grenades, arrests, and clashes between students and law enforcement.
What Are Students Demanding?
At the centre of the campus unrest are students who feel let down by the system. “It’s not just about funding—it’s about dignity,” said Sipho Dlamini, a student at Wits. “We’re being treated like criminals for wanting what should be a basic right: affordable, quality education in a safe environment.”
Across South Africa, students are uniting in response to the campus unrest, forming protest groups and initiating conversations about systemic change. These movements have taken shape both on the ground and online, with social media playing a pivotal role in mobilising support. Hashtags like #CampusShutdown, #NSFASFail, and #EducationCrisis2025 have trended on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the emotional and political weight of this year’s campus unrest.
The Response from Universities and Government
In response to the growing tension, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has pledged to fast-track NSFAS payments and improve communication between institutions and students. Some universities have brought in additional support staff to address registration issues and mental health services have been expanded on several campuses.
However, critics argue that these efforts are reactive rather than proactive. “We need systemic change, not temporary solutions,” says Professor Lerato Mahlangu, an education policy expert. “The funding model, student housing crisis, and safety concerns need long-term, sustainable reforms.”
Is Campus Safety at Risk?
Beyond funding and administrative challenges, campus unrest has also raised serious concerns about physical safety. At several institutions, students report feeling unsafe. This is often due to the presence of heavily armed security personnel and inconsistent enforcement of campus rules.
Parents are alarmed too. Many say they feel anxious about sending their children to campuses marked by violence and tension. In some cases, protests have disrupted academic programmes. This has affected exam schedules and delayed graduation timelines.
University spokespersons have assured the public that measures are being taken. They say they’re working with local police and private security to restore order. However, the balance between ensuring safety and respecting student rights remains delicate.
What Lies Ahead for SA Universities?
The unrest at South African universities in 2025 is not a new phenomenon, but it signals deeper systemic issues that continue to go unresolved. Students are not simply protesting; they are calling for transformative change in how higher education is funded, delivered, and governed.
As we look ahead, real progress will depend on honest dialogue, policy reform, and collaborative efforts between government, institutions, and student bodies. For now, the question remains painfully relevant: Are our campuses safe? And if not, what are we doing to fix it?
