A board on the Rooiplein, erected by the Student Representative Council (SRC) for students to share “how the system has failed us”, has been met with mixed reactions.
Stellenbosch students at the Rooiplein reading the complaints and grievances written by other students on the board set up by the SRC for the “HOW THE SYSTEM FAILS US” campaign. PHOTO: Kwanda Mkhonto
“This initiative seeks to tangibly bring those stories into the open to remind this institution and the broader Stellenbosch community […] that behind every statistic is a person fighting to be seen, supported, and given a fair chance,” the statement on the board read.
While some students appreciate the platform to share their grievances anonymously, others are unsure that the board will result in any real solutions to their challenges.
Here are some of the statements written by students on the board which was set up during the week of 16 February:
“NO ONE CARES FOR NSFAS STUDENTS, NO ONE!!!!” one message read.
Complaints and grievances written by Stellenbosch University students on the board
at Rooiplein set up by the SRC for the “HOW THE SYSTEM FAILS US” campaign.
PHOTO: Kwanda Mkhonto
“Lack of funding opportunities for the missing middle,” read another.
Another message reflected frustration over financial blocks saying, “I can’t register because of a financial block. They told me the only option I have is to take a loan. But who will pay for that loan when my mother is not working??!!!”.
One statement criticised student leadership structures saying “On top of the SRC being set up to be toothless, it is filled with useless and incompetent individuals who do not understand the core tenants of being student leaders.”
Complaints and grievances written by Stellenbosch University students on the board
at Rooiplein set up by the SRC for the “HOW THE SYSTEM FAILS US” campaign.
Some students highlighted the frustration with inability to register as a result of
financial blocks. PHOTO: Kwanda Mkhonto
The statements reflect a range of frustrations, including a lack of funding for the “missing middle”, financial blocks, and a lack of trust in the SRC, among other concerns.
Cindy Caie, a first-year BSc student in Conservation Ecology at SU, has faced challenges with the ‘system’ throughout the registration process, and likes the idea behind the campaign. “I think it is a brilliant idea for people to express how they feel on a level that everyone can see,” she said.
Caie, however, is uncertain that the SRC will do anything about the issues presented. “I don’t think it is taken seriously at all, by the SRC or by the administrative people […] because they don’t do anything with that information,” she added.
Donald Joshua, a BA (Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies) student said the campaign is a good idea. “I think it’s a good place for students to connect […] it’s a start to greater communication,” he said. However, “I want to know that those papers are being kept by the SRC and are being analysed,” Donald added.
When asked about the campaign, third-year student Mfumbathi Ndlovu agreed that the initiative was positive in principle. “It is a good initiative,” he said. “Campaigns are nice and beautiful, but it’s really [the] results that speak,” he added.
The board on the Rooiplein set up by the SRC, on “HOW THE SYSTEM FAILS US” campaign, meant to give students a platform to share their stories on how the system is failing them. PHOTO: Kwanda Mkhonto
While several students expressed appreciation for having a platform to share their grievances anonymously, questions remain about what action will follow. Now it is up to the SRC to restore confidence in its ability to address the concerns raised on the board at the Rooiplein.
Despite multiple requests for comment from SRC chairperson Simiso Langa, SMF News had not received a response at the time of publication.
Stellenbosch University was not available for comment at the time of publication
**This article was edited on the 4th of March 2026 due to technical issues.