As classes are set to start next week, Nelson Mandela University enters the academic year with a strong focus on student success, safety and operational stability.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa says the University has undertaken extensive operational, academic and student-support readiness measures ahead of the new academic year.
“Nelson Mandela University enters the 2026 academic year focused on readiness, stability and student success. Our priority is to ensure that academic activity can proceed in a manner that is safe, well-supported and conducive to living and learning,” she says.
The University’s readiness plans were also shared with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, which is currently engaging institutions of higher learning on a range of matters relating to student access, accommodation, infrastructure, safety and overall institutional stability.
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Admissions and registrations
The University is in the process of finalising responses to applicants, in line with its commitment to do so ahead of the official start of academic activity. For the 2026 academic year, the University received more than 272 000 applications for approximately 8 500 first-time entering students.
Assisted registration commenced got under way last week, with 6 899 first-year students registered as of Friday, 30 January. The University expects a total student population of 34 785 in 2026.
“Our admissions and registration processes are progressing well, and we are managing challenges as they arise to ensure that students are supported through this critical period,” Prof Muthwa says.
Student accommodation
Nelson Mandela University has an on-campus residence bed capacity of 5 340, while demand remains more than fourfold, based on the number of applications received.
To mitigate this demand, the University continues to make use of accredited off-campus residence facilities across Gqeberha and George, with more than 20 000 students accommodated in these facilities.
NSFAS has introduced its own direct accreditation process, and the University is working to enhance its partnership with NSFAS to streamline student admission and placement across both on- and off-campus accommodation, towards ensuring the safety and welfare of students.
Estates and facilities
University campuses are continuously monitored to ensure facilities remain conducive to living and learning. Shared lecture venues were inspected in December, with maintenance and repairs undertaken during the December/January period.
Members of senior management concluded a two-day walk-about of the Gqeberha campuses last week, with the George Campus scheduled for this week, to confirm operational readiness.
With power outages and occasional water disruptions, contingency measures remain in place to ensure continuity. These include back-up generator power for critical functions, with diesel stock managed on an ongoing basis.
Sustainability initiatives continue, including the installation of a large-scale photovoltaic system. The Department of Higher Education and Training has approved the University’s drought mitigation plan, with funding of R3.7 million.
Student support ecosystem
The University places strong emphasis on the physical and mental well-being of students and staff.
Student Health Services, together with the Emthonjeni Student Wellness Centre, offer free, confidential and professional health and psychosocial support services to students.
“Student well-being remains central to our approach, and we continue to invest in systems that support both the physical and mental health of our student community,” Prof Muthwa says.
Gender-based violence and harm
Gender-based violence has been declared a national disaster in South Africa, and universities, as microcosms of society, are not immune.
In late 2025, this issue was brought into sharp focus following the tragic passing of one of the University’s students, Sesethu Mboza. Nelson Mandela University instituted an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding her death. The report is being finalised and will be carefully analysed to determine if, and where, systems need to be enhanced.
A dedicated, high-level gender-based violence and sexual health response team has been established to advise management on ways of enhancing coordination, responsiveness and support, while advocacy and awareness campaigns remain ongoing.
Student safety and security
Nelson Mandela Bay is experiencing extremely high levels of crime. The University has responded by implementing a comprehensive safety and security strategy.
This includes enhanced technology, intelligence and surveillance infrastructure, alongside the launch of Campus Community Safety Forums in both Gqeberha and George, involving multiple stakeholders.
Nelson Mandela University confirms its operational readiness for the 2026 academic year.
“While we remain mindful of broader systemic pressures facing the higher education sector, our focus remains firmly on student success, safety and institutional stability,” Prof Muthwa says.