Should South Africa write off billions in unpaid student debt? No! argues Edwin Naidu.
Julius Malema and the Economic Freedom Fighters can indeed talk, but can they walk the talk?
The Private Member’s Bill in Parliament wants to cancel student debt as the EFF’s contribution to making education more accessible to all South Africans.
But is it a feasible solution? And will it make education more accessible?
The Bill, they say, represents a significant intervention in the fight against the growing financial burden of student debt, which increased from approximately R11 billion in 2017 to R17 billion in 2024, with an average annual rise of R2 billion.
The EFF argues that this national crisis stifles the aspirations of young people and limits their financial freedom and career prospects. How is this so?
Annually, the government invests an estimated R50 billion in ensuring that the current crop of matriculants has access to study spaces at the country’s 26 universities and 50 Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.
Given the financial constraints under which the government operates, this is not an inconsiderate amount to spend on education. For the EFF to push to write off the student debt of the past is irresponsible and encourages a culture of not paying for services one receives.
While the right to education is enshrined in the Constitution and should be free in a perfect world, it does not mean that debt owed to educational institutions should be waived. One might argue that one’s water, electricity or tax bill to municipalities or the state should be written off, as it perpetuates inequality in South Africa. Right?
Wrong! Thirty years after democracy, it does not make sense to hear the EFF claim that writing off billions would help anyone. Instead of empty rhetoric, the EFF should provide evidence.
Just as Malema and his former minions shouted “pay back the money” to former president Jacob Zuma over his ill-gotten Nkandla upgrades, why does the EFF play politics and give those who owe the state money a free ride?
The Bill is a disservice to South Africans who work hard and pay their taxes expecting to get adequate service delivery as a bare minimum.
The EFF has long championed the cause of student debt cancellation. But unless I am mistaken, there is no moral reason or obligation to write off debt in a democracy?
Were those who incurred the debt prejudiced in any way by having studied or pursued studies at tertiary institutions to which they owe money? And what about those who have passed and have qualifications but do not honour the debt?
Is it not ludicrous that one can get blacklisted by the SABC for not paying one’s television licence, but an ivory tower of learning can escape without sanction for allowing student debt to escalate to unreasonable levels? The vice-chancellors and those in charge should be held accountable for failing to manage student debts effectively.
Inevitably, should the government be asked to explain how it allows a soft stance on students who owe billions while allowing parastatals under its watch to make criminals of consumers through blacklisting for a variety of reasons?
Instead of this Bill, which will make a noise but not win supporters, the EFF should be encouraging students to walk in the footsteps of Malema. Their inspirational leader got an H in mathematics and a G in woodwork, yet successfully obtained degrees through correspondence at Unisa, the world’s oldest distance-learning institution.
Youth need role models to look up to, not someone who encourages them to default on their debts. Malema worked hard and did not earn those degrees easily. I am certain Malema also paid for his studies. Unisa does not dish out studies freely unless you have A symbols in matric, which Malema did not have.
Therefore, one believes, as the leader of a party wanting to make a difference to the millions of black youths in South Africa that paying back one’s debt to society is the right thing to do. Even if half of the current student debt is paid, imagine what the proceeds can do to eliminate the failed attempts at instilling a reading culture in South Africa.
Malema and his wise former leaders, who have abandoned him, have demonstrated that education is the most effective way to address inequality.
By this token, the debate around writing off student debt is not cut and dried. Let those who have qualified and earn a salary pay back the money. Those who are unemployed must indicate a willingness to pay when they get jobs. That way, the culture of a welfare state which keeps people down is eradicated.
But it starts with understanding the landscape and being honest about where South Africa is headed and what the nation can afford. The EFF has started a debate that we can no longer avoid. Can South Africa afford to write off R17 billion in unpaid student debt? The answer affects us all.
Edwin Naidu is the Editor of Inside Education.
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