The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the decision by Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau to withdraw draft regulations that would have allowed universities and colleges to blacklist students with unpaid fees.
The regulations, published on 13 August 2025, proposed that educational institutions be recognised as credit information providers.
This would have meant that students who failed to settle their debts could face negative listings with credit bureaus.
Public and Political Pushback
The withdrawal followed strong opposition from student organisations, civil society groups and professionals, who submitted more than 20 000 objections during the public comment period, which closed on 12 September.
The EFF also publicly rejected the proposals, describing them as punitive towards the poor and young people.
The party’s youth wing had announced plans to march on the department in protest, mobilising students across the country.
According to the EFF, this pressure campaign played a central role in forcing the government’s retreat.
Concerns Over Student Debt
Critics argued that the regulations would have deepened the student debt crisis by further penalising young people already struggling with unpaid fees.
Universities currently withhold certificates and qualifications from indebted graduates, limiting their chances of employment and repayment.
The EFF said extending the problem to credit bureaus would have condemned students to long-term financial exclusion, while benefiting debt collectors and financial institutions.
Call for Long-Term Solution
The party reiterated its call for the government to adopt its proposed Student Debt Cancellation Bill, arguing that debt relief is the only sustainable solution to ensure access to education and opportunities for young people.
“The withdrawal of these regulations is a victory for students and broader society,” the EFF said, while warning that the attempt reflected what it sees as the government’s disregard for the challenges facing young South Africans.
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