The Students’ Congress (SASCO) at the University of Mpumalanga has issued a strong statement expressing serious concerns about the institution’s preparedness to commence and sustain the 2026 academic year.
In a statement released by the SASCO UMP Mbombela Branch Executive Committee, the student organisation outlines multiple challenges affecting admissions, registrations, financial clearance, and overall institutional readiness, warning that proceeding under current conditions will disadvantage many students—particularly those from poor and working-class backgrounds.
Concerns Over Late Applications and Admissions
SASCO has criticised the university’s handling of late applications, describing the process as irresponsible and harmful to prospective students. According to the organisation, the university continues to open late applications despite limited capacity, leading to a situation where applicants receive admission offers that expire almost immediately.
The organisation further highlighted cases where students had already paid the required registration fee of R5,985, only to find their offers withdrawn or invalidated. SASCO argues that this amounts to administrative injustice and reflects poor coordination between admissions offices and academic departments.
The student body has called on the university to honour all admission offers already issued and to create space for students who were promised placement, insisting that students should not suffer due to institutional planning failures.
Registration Deadlines and Financial Clearance Challenges
With registrations set to close on 27 February 2026—along with late registrations, module changes, cancellations, and credit exemption applications—SASCO has raised concern about the lack of communication and intervention from the EFF-led Student Representative Council.
The organisation noted that the Financial Clearance Committee (FCC), a policy-backed intervention used since 2021 to support financially constrained students, has not been implemented. SASCO emphasised that the FCC is not optional and does not require negotiation, warning that its absence places returning self-funded students at risk of exclusion.
SASCO urged the SRC and university management to ensure that all students are registered by the deadline or to formally extend the registration period, stressing that administrative deadlines should not be used to marginalise vulnerable students.
NSFAS Allowances Welcomed
On a more positive note, SASCO welcomed the early disbursement of NSFAS allowances by the Student Financial Aid Office on 6 February 2026, ahead of the start of lectures. The organisation praised this move as a return to a student-centred institutional culture.
SASCO also acknowledged the role of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme in advancing funds to institutions, following the Acting CEO’s announcement and the release of R4.27 billion to universities and TVET colleges nationwide. The organisation described this development as proof that sustained student activism can produce tangible results.
University ‘Not Ready’ as Classes Begin
Despite classes being scheduled to begin on Monday, 9 February 2026, SASCO has firmly stated that the University of Mpumalanga is not ready to open the academic year. The organisation cited unresolved registration issues, a chaotic first-year intake process, and ongoing admission and financial clearance problems.
According to SASCO, commencing lectures under these conditions risks deepening inequality among students, as some will progress academically while others remain excluded from the system.
Message to First-Year Students
SASCO extended a welcome to all first-entering students, encouraging them to take responsibility for their academic journeys and to remain politically aware and engaged. The organisation emphasised the importance of understanding university rules and policies, urging students to thoroughly read the university almanac.
The statement also underscored the significance of student leadership, cautioning that ineffective representation can negatively affect students’ academic progression and campus life.
Commitment to Student Advocacy
In closing, SASCO reaffirmed its commitment to defending student rights and holding both university management and the SRC accountable. The organisation pledged to continue advocating for a university system that prioritises access, fairness, and the needs of poor and working-class students.
The statement was issued on behalf of the SASCO UMP Mbombela Branch 2025 Executive Committee.
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