Ithabeleng Qhasho
BASOTHO students studying in South Africa have received a major lifeline after a breakthrough agreement now allows universities to provisionally register those affected by delayed study permit processing.
The development follows high-level engagements between the Lesotho and South African authorities aimed at resolving persistent delays in the issuance of study permits, which have threatened enrolment, academic progression and future employment prospects for many Basotho students.
Speaking at a press briefing this week, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, said the issue had become increasingly urgent as growing numbers of Basotho seek education opportunities in South Africa.
“As a ministry, we recognised the urgency of this matter and engaged directly with the South African High Commission to ensure that the study permit process is handled efficiently and without disadvantaging our students,” Mr Mpotjoane said.
He explained that the delays were largely caused by technical challenges affecting the South African High Commission’s network in Lesotho, which has experienced system failures in recent days.
Mr Mpotjoane confirmed that sustained discussions were held with South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and the Lesotho High Commission in South Africa, focusing on ensuring that students with valid academic offers are not excluded from their studies due to administrative delays.
Among the key outcomes of the engagements, he said, was a request for South African institutions to accept proof of application receipts as temporary evidence that students have applied for study permits. In addition, a formal request was submitted to South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs to issue a directive instructing institutions of higher learning to admit students who can present proof of pending study permit applications.
The breakthrough has brought relief to affected families. Concerned parent, Malehloka Ralitapole, whose daughter studies at a South African university, said her child, who has been studying for three years and was set to pursue honours, was now facing registration hurdles.
“The pain and frustration are real. Seeing your child cry and lose hope is tough,” Ms Ralitapole said.
She said while the Department of Home Affairs directive is clear, universities retain a degree of autonomy and may apply their own internal rules.
Meanwhile, in a decisive confirmation of the developments, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has formally issued guidance permitting the temporary registration of international students on the strength of valid VFS receipts, pending the finalisation of study visa outcomes.
In a letter dated 27 January 2026 and addressed to Universities South Africa (USAf), the Director-General of the Department, Livhuwani Tommy Makhode, requested all public universities to provisionally register students who can present proof of a pending study visa application.
The directive is grounded in the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002), whose preamble mandates that visas be issued as expeditiously as possible through simplified procedures, while ensuring that South Africa continues to benefit from the contribution of foreign nationals.
The department said the temporary measure strikes a balance between regulatory compliance and the practical needs of the higher education sector.
The arrangement applies to new applications, renewals, extensions and changes of conditions, and will remain in effect until the end of the first academic semester.
