The University of the Western Cape’s student representative council (SRC) on Wednesday issued an urgent memorandum to the university’s council, calling for a lasting solution to student debt.

SRC president Akhona Landu said in a statement that the council would sit on Friday to deliberate on governance issues. The council would also receive feedback from the institution’s management in terms of student demands.

Landu said issues raised by students included debt, access and affordability of university health services, accommodation infrastructure and funding, and assistance with study materials for poor students.

Landu, who is also a council member, said these “pressing matters” had an impact on the future of poor students.

The exam programme would also be discussed following the disruptions due to ongoing student protests.

Landu condemned the violence and destruction which rocked the university.

Landu said these were “apparently fuelled by a splinter group of students who have rejected every reasonable solution”.

“We know that there is an agreement for no fee increases, but we have other issues to iron out, including financial and academic exclusions, registration fees and other matters which need our urgent attention as early as now.” News24