At the Southern Africa Students’ Union (SASU), we champion the rights, dignity, and welfare of students across the SADC region. Our work is rooted in the belief that every student, regardless of nationality, gender, background, or ability—deserves access to quality education in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment. We advocate for policies that promote academic freedom, protect student voices, and eliminate barriers to education, especially those caused by poverty, discrimination, and political repression.
SASU works to ensure that students are not only seen as beneficiaries of education but as active participants in shaping it. We engage directly with governments, regional bodies, universities, and civil society to push for student-centered policies—from fair and affordable tuition to mental health support and gender-based violence prevention. We support the implementation of inclusive financial aid systems, stronger protections for vulnerable groups including students with disabilities, and regional mobility for learners across Southern Africa.
Through student-led campaigns, policy dialogue, research, and annual summits, we elevate the lived experiences of students and bring their demands to decision-makers. Our commitment to student welfare includes fighting for food security, adequate accommodation, access to sexual and reproductive health services, and the creation of safe campuses where all students can thrive without fear of violence or discrimination. At SASU, we are not just defending student rights—we are building a future where those rights are respected, upheld, and used as the foundation for a more just and equitable society.
