Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe Image: GCIS

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a hive of activity as it welcomes more than 4 700 first-year students who will begin their academic journey at the institution.

Last week, the University’s senior management met with the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Mimmy Gondwe, to discuss UWC’s plans to kick-start the new academic year.

During her visit, Dr Gondwe said that while South Africa’s higher education sector faces several challenges — including funding constraints, food insecurity and a shortage of student accommodation — she was encouraged by UWC’s proactive approach, such as providing emergency accommodation for registered students without housing.

“I appreciate the fact that the University has planned well in advance to accommodate these students. I do believe that UWC is ready for the new academic year, but I do think that, like all other universities, there is a need to increase the number of beds to accommodate the numbers that are coming in 2026,” she said.

The Deputy Minister also acknowledged that South Africa’s 26 public universities are under pressure due to the growing number of matriculants who obtain bachelor’s passes and qualify for university entrance.

She noted that UWC, like many universities across the country, has received a high number of applications.

UWC Registrar Dr Nita Lawton-Misra said the Deputy Minister’s visit allowed management and students to “showcase our procedures and clearly explain our challenges and decision-making processes”, including admission policies and how the University has managed a large volume of applications. UWC received more than 190 000 applications despite having only 4 700 spaces available.

The UWC Administration Building. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

In some faculties, “the demand far exceeds available spaces”, she said, citing the Faculty of Law, which received more than 7 000 applications for just 280 places. With nearly 60% of students already registered online — “a significant improvement compared to previous years” — Dr Lawton-Misra said the University is ready to begin the academic year. Orientation takes place from 2 to 6 February, registration is expected to close on 6 February, and lectures will commence on 9 February 2026.

Managing the large number of applications has become increasingly complex as the University works to balance admitting top-performing students while also creating opportunities for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who are expected to return to their communities after graduation and contribute to their development.

“It’s not just about a numbers game or taking the cream of the crop. It’s about understanding where transformation is really needed. We want to transform lives and communities by giving opportunities to young people — some from rural areas with limited resources — who may not ordinarily have access to higher education,” Dr Lawton-Misra said.

Students at the Economic Management Sciences building. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

“It’s about giving access to that young person who comes from an area with absolutely no resources, yet who has met every challenge and beaten the odds. It is about providing access to as many deserving young people as possible.”

To ensure a smooth transition for new students, UWC’s Centre for Student Support Services (CSSS) has put a range of programmes in place to ensure that students feel supported and safe from the moment they arrive on campus.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development and Support, Prof Matete Madiba, said the centre has placed particular emphasis on student mental health and has trained Orientation Guides (OGs), who will serve as the first point of contact for new students. These guides, who have received basic training in psychological first aid, will facilitate mental health referrals to the centre for professional care.

In addition, all OGs will be equipped with information about the free 24-hour UWC Crisis Counselling Care Line (0800 222 333) which is available to all registered students, ensuring that help is accessible at any time. Mental health support will also be strengthened through the expansion of the Work-Integrated Youth Support Academy (WYSA) programme. WYSA activations and presentations will take place throughout the orientation period for both commuting and residence students.

To support students academically and personally, CSSS runs an integrated Graduate Development Programme — a year-long initiative embedded in academic programmes across five faculties — with CSSS facilitators and coaches acting as a link between faculties and the University’s support services.

Prof Madiba also highlighted that students living with disabilities will be prioritised as part of UWC’s commitment to inclusivity. All new students who have disclosed a disability will receive orientation from the Office for Students with Disabilities (OSWD). To date, two first-year students have registered with the Office this year, while a total of 253 students currently receive services through it.

New students on campus. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

Student Representative Council (SRC) President Mcntosh Khasembe welcomed Dr Gondwe’s visit, saying it provided students with a platform to share the realities they face on campus.

He noted that official reports do not always reflect students’ lived experiences, particularly regarding funding delays — including those related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) — as well as food insecurity and accommodation shortages.

Following the meeting with Dr Gondwe, he said the SRC held a “very progressive follow-up meeting” with NSFAS financial aid officers to discuss funding delays and payment shortfalls. The visit also helped open discussions around collaborative solutions, including partnerships to support students experiencing food shortages during the registration period.

“As the SRC, we want to move away from just criticising and become active role players in finding solutions,” he said.