EC SASCO

23/10/2026

DATE: 23 OCTOBER 2026

FINAL QUARTER STATEMENT OF SASCO EASTERN CAPE

"Education is not a commodity but a basic human right. Building upon the Freedom Charter's injunction, the doors of learning and culture shall be opened to all."

35th ANNIVERSARY OF SASCO

We extend revolutionary greetings to all SASCO comrades, supporters and activists in the name of stability, unity and renewal.

The South African Students' Congress in the Eastern Cape reminiscises the celebration of 35 years of unbroken service to students during the month of September. Thirty-five years after its establishment in 1991, SASCO continues to carry the historic responsibility of organising students, defending access to education, advancing the transformation of institutions of higher learning and developing generations of Activists with mandate to transformation of our society at large.
SASCO's 35th anniversary was formally celebrated on 6 September 2026 under the banner of "35 Years of Unbroken Service to Students." This anniversary is not just a celebration of our history. It is a moment of political reflection, organisational assessment and renewed commitment to the work that lies ahead generations and generations.

REFLECTION OF OUTCOMES OF SRC ELECTIONS IN THE EASTERN CAPE & BUILDING ON ORGANISATIONAL MOMENTUM

The recent SRC electoral outcomes in Institutions of higher learning in the province provide important organisational lessons for the movement. While we recognise that every electoral contest presents its own circumstances and challenges, the improvement reflected in these outcomes must be welcomed as an indication of the hard work and dedication by our cadres on the ground. We commend every branch, volunteers and ordinary SASCO activist who contributed greatly towards these campaigns. These outcomes must, however, not make us complacent. An improvement is not the destination, it is a platform from which we must intensify our organisational work. The next phase must be characterised by stronger branches, consistent political education, visible activism and an organisation that remains present in the everyday struggles of students.

Moreover, we urge all students at Fort Cox college to vote for SASCO on the 30th Of October 2026 and for University of Fort Hare students to vote for SASCO on the 6th of November 2026.

TAKING DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION BEYOND CAMPUS

The successful voter-registration campaigns and weekends have once again shown the important role that student activists can play beyond the boundaries of our campuses. Across different spheres of society and on our campuses, we saw SASCO comrades assisted young people to understand the importance of voter registration and encouraged eligible South Africans to ensure that they are registered. This work is important because student politics cannot be separated from the broader civic responsibilities of young people.

IEC has confirmed the 2nd and 3rd of November as a period for special voting and 4 November 2026 as the dates for the Local Government Elections, we urge every registered person to exercise that democratic right to vote.

ON ORGANISATIONAL MATTERS
After extensive deliberations on the state of the organisation across all regions of the province, with a firm commitment to strengthening and reinforcing SASCO in the Eastern Cape. Following these deliberations, the Provincial Working Committee as well as the Provincial Executive Committee has resolved on the following Regional Task Teams to spearhead this mandate:

WESTERN REGION

Sandisiwe Mayekiso (F)- Convener
Ovuna Ntshika (F)- Coordinator
Sinazo Tshaka (F)- Resource Mobiliser
Khwezi Madikizela (M)- Organiser

Mpho Soarathle (M)
Ikho Ngcuka (M)
Sibulele Mdlankomo (F)

CENTRAL REGION

Seko Ngcambu(M)- Convener
Tebogo Moneti (M)- Coordinator
Kholeka Wakeni (F) - Resorce Mobiliser
Athenkosi Mbane (M)- Organiser

Ntuthuko Mabuze - (M)
Lisakhanya Phambaniso (F)
Bridget Sakman (F)

EASTERN REGION

Amkela Diko (M)- Convener
Inga Jiba (F) - Coordinator
Kwakanya Malima (M)- Resource Mobiliser
Lutho Dimfi (M)- Organiser

Thato Matlokoa (F)
Sindisiwe Gambushe (F)
Nombuyekezo Mankayi (F)

We wish the appointed leadership everything of the best in advancing the student movement and strengthening activism.

"Unity for Democracy in Education"

Issued by SASCO EC Provincial Executive Committee

20/10/2026

Today, the Acting Provincial Secretary, Cde Londeka Ngcungama conducted a branch visit at Lovedale TVET College, King Williams Town campus as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the organisation on the ground, engage with student activists and reinforce the movement’s commitment to advancing the students charter.

The visit was also joined by the ANC Branch Treasurer of Ward 37, Cde Mongezi Dyala who provided a political input on the importance of strengthened branches gearing towards Local Government Elections that will be held on the 4th of November 2026.

🖤💚💛❤️

18/10/2026

17/10/2026

[IN PICTURES]

The SASCO EC Provincial Chairperson, Cde Tshepo Buthelezi, alongside ANCYL Deputy President Cde Francisco, led a massive door to door campaign in Amathole Region, Mnquma Sub-Region, Ward 5.

Taking the message to the people🖤💚💛❤️

14/10/2026

The South African Students Congress (SASCO) wishes the Class of 2026 all the best as they write their final examinations. Your sleepless nights, your sacrifices, and your perseverance have brought you to this defining moment. We have no doubt that you will conquer. We look forward to welcoming you into the corridors of Higher Education and Training in 2027. The doors of knowledge must open for the children of the working class!

Good luck, future leaders! Aluta Continua!

05/10/2026

[In Pictures]

SASCO EC Provincial Chairperson Cde Tshepo Buthelezi joined SASCO Centane Branch for a meet and greet during their sports tournament.

Building unity, strengthening the branch and mobilising young people through sport. ✊🏾

Build the Branch. Advance the Charter!

03/10/2026

[IN PICTURES]

The Provincial Chairperson of SASCO in the Eastern Cape, Cde Tshepo Buthelezi, joined ANCYL NEC Member Cde Aphiwe Mkhangelwa and ANCYL PEC Member Cde Siphelele Mgcineni on a door-to-door campaign in Amathole Region, Mnquma Sub-Region, Ward 23, Buru VD.

The campaign continues on the ground, engaging directly with communities and listening to the issues affecting residents.

We keep going from door to door, street to street and household to household. The message must reach every corner, and every voice must be heard.

SASCO @ WORK ON THE GROUND, ENGAGING WITH THE PEOPLE.🖤💚💛❤️

30/09/2026

DATE: 30 SEPTEMBER 2026

SASCO (EASTERN CAPE) STATEMENT ON THE RHODES UNIVERSITY STUDENT PROTEST

The South African Students Congress in the Eastern Cape is disturbed to note the ongoing student protest at Rhodes University in Makhanda following the introduction of the University's 2027 Protocol on the Payment of Student Fees which was approved by Council as confirmed by the University.
Students at Rhodes have raised concerns about the financial requirements contained in the 2027 fee protocol which includes the following provisions:

-Self-funded undergraduate students with outstanding debt would have to pay at least 50% of their debt, sign an acknowledgement of debt and commit to paying at least R3,000 per month towards the outstanding balance.

-Students with outstanding debt above R25,000 would also face restrictions on residence unless they have confirmed NSFAS funding.

For SASCO, the discussion around student debt cannot be separated from the social and economic conditions that many students come from. Students do not enter universities with equal financial circumstances. Many students come from working-class and poor households, while others depend on financial aid, bursaries, family support or temporary sources of income to remain at university. We believe that this policy places a heavy financial burden on students without sufficiently taking these different circumstances into account. It can affect a student's ability to register, access residence, continue with their studies and complete their qualification and equally take a toll on their mental health. A student should not be pushed further to the margins of society because their family cannot immediately settle an outstanding university account. A student who has passed their courses, completed their academic requirements and is ready to progress should not find their future determined solely by their ability to settle debt at a particular point in time.

We understand the concerns raised by students at Rhodes University and realise the possible negative impact of the 2027 fee protocol on financially vulnerable students. Moreover, we note that the SRC has called for a review of the payment requirements, including a higher residence debt threshold and alternative approaches to dealing with student debt.

SASCO is in no position to understand that universities face real financial pressures and that outstanding student debt cannot simply be ignored. We remain resolute in stating that addressing institutional financial sustainability must not result in the further exclusion of students who are already financially vulnerable. There must be a balance between the financial sustainability of the institution and the constitutional and social responsibility to ensure that students are able to access and complete higher education.

We further believe that meaningful engagement between university management, Council and student representatives is necessary and should never lead to a position that forces students to take it to the streets. Students must be heard on decisions that directly affect their ability to register, live in residence and complete their studies. SASCO Eastern Cape therefore pledges its solidarity with the students of Rhodes University as they challenge the 2027 fee protocol.

We call for the Department of Higher Education and Training to intervene on this matter not disputing that there should be continued engagement between the university and the SRC towards a solution that recognises the financial realities faced by students, especially those from poor and working-class backgrounds.

Our stance is clear and it is that we reject the imposition of registration fees. Student debt must not
become a permanent barrier to education, academic progression and the attainment of qualifications.

We also note with great disappointment the threat by the university to halt catering services and
water provision to on camp students due to the current protest. A mass demonstration must never
lead to students being deprived of essential services. The interests and wellbeing of students must
remain central while negotiations continue. Our activists and leaders will be on the ground to assist
while assessing the situation.

Qina Mfundi wase Rhodes Qina!

Issued by SASCO Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee

30/09/2026

The Deputy Provincial Secretary, Cde Linda Ndevu together with the Deputy Provincial Secretary of ANC, Hon. Helen Sauls-August joined branches of PE College And leadership of the ANC in the K1 Zone in support of the Help A Sister Campaign.

The campaign seeks to support and empower female students by addressing their basic needs and promoting dignity, solidarity and sisterhood.

Together, we continue to build a movement that stands with women and ensures that no sister is left behind.

22/09/2026

TUNE IN TODAY

Catch the Acting Provincial Secretary of SASCO EC, Cde Londeka Ngcungama live at The Voice Lounge at 11:00 AM today as she joins the conversation to unpack recent developments, share her perspective and engage on matters affecting students and young people.

The movement never clocks out!🖤💚💛❤️