Saturday, 01 March 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) notes the official gazetting of the intention to introduce the Student Debt Relief Bill, as published in Government Gazette No: 51299, page 57, of 28 February 2025. This Bill, initiated by EFF Commissar Sihle Lonzi, represents a decisive step in addressing the student debt crisis that has left over 300,000 young South Africans unable to graduate and receive their degrees, certificates, and other qualifications despite having completed their studies.

The EFF wrote to the Speaker of the National Assembly on 26 November 2024 to inform her of our intention to introduce a Student Debt Cancellation Private Member’s Bill. This Bill is not just a legislative proposal but a necessary intervention to break the chains of debt that continue to trap academically deserving students in a cycle of poverty and unemployment.

We have consistently highlighted how student debt denies thousands of young people the opportunity to advance their personal and professional lives, despite having fulfilled all academic requirements. These students, who diligently pursued education with the hope of securing a better future for themselves and their families, are now left without the qualifications they worked hard to earn. Their exclusion from the workforce due to outstanding fees not only perpetuates inequality but also undermines the country’s economic potential.

The EFF has been at the centre of the fight for free, decolonised, and quality education. The Student Debt Relief Bill is a call for justice, fairness, and access, demanding that the government assumes responsibility for the outstanding fees owed to institutions of higher learning by those who have completed their studies and cannot receive their academic certificates. By doing so, we will ensure that all affected students receive their qualifications and contribute meaningfully to the economy. This is not simply about financial relief; it is about empowering the youth and restoring their dignity, enabling them to participate meaningfully in the economy as many will continue with their specialisation and professional development.

The EFF calls on all stakeholders, including students, unemployed graduates, young professionals, lecturers, academics, Vice-Chancellors, churches, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, workers, intellectuals, and policymakers, to engage in the public consultation process. We encourage all interested parties to make submissions and participate in discussions to ensure that this Bill is comprehensive, just, and financially sustainable.

Over the next 30 days, the EFF will embark on nationwide consultative meetings with all stakeholders who are committed to seeing this Bill become law. Those interested in contributing to the drafting of the final legislation make submission via email at [email protected].

The EFF calls on all South Africans to set aside political differences and unite behind the call to Cancel All Student Debt. This is a historic opportunity to change the lives of thousands of young people and generations to come. The promise of education must not be a privilege for the few but a right for all. Now is the time to act decisively and ensure that no student is left behind.

ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Leigh-Ann Mathys (National Spokesperson) 082 304 7572

Thato Lebyane (Media Enquiries) 078 304 7572