SASC Regional Strategy 2024–2028: Protecting Student Rights Across Southern Africa

Across Southern Africa, from university campuses to the streets, student activists are the engine of social progress. Whether demanding the decolonization of education, protesting against corruption, or leading the charge for climate justice, student human rights defenders (HRDs) demonstrate unmatched resilience. However, this courage often comes at a high price. In recent years, we have witnessed a coordinated shrinking of democratic spaces across the region. Student activists face a unique “triple threat”: university sanctions, state-led crackdowns, and a lack of regional protection mechanisms. The Student Activist Support Centre (SASC) exists to ensure that no student in Southern Africa has to choose between their education and their fundamental human rights.

Our Regional Vision

We envision a Southern Africa where every student can advocate for justice and equality without fear of expulsion, detention, or violence. Since 2007, SASC has moved beyond temporary aid to provide intersectional, long-term support that builds the collective power of student movements from a grassroots level.

The Regional Context

The next five years are a defining period for Southern Africa. As the region grapples with rising inequality and the “triple planetary crisis,” the Right to Defend Human Rights (RDHR) is being systematically obstructed by powerful actors. SASC is committed to being the primary regional ally for student collectives, dismantling the barriers that perpetuate violence against youth leaders.

 

Regional Strategic Pillars: 2024–2028

Our strategy focuses on three core objectives designed to shift the balance of power back to the youth across the subcontinent:

Pillar	Strategic Focus
Student Agency & Safety	Strengthening the capacity of student unions and grassroots collectives to manage their own security. We empower students to dismantle the power imbalances that leave them vulnerable.
Institutional Accountability	Compelling universities, national governments, and regional bodies (SADC) to honor their obligations to protect activists and maintain safe spaces for dissent, both on-campus and online.
A Resilient SASC	Enhancing our internal regional operations to be more responsive and transparent. By investing in our people and digital infrastructure, we remain a sustainable pillar of support for the movement.

 

Building Collective Power by 2028

Systemic change in Southern Africa requires persistent, cross-border solidarity. This Regional Strategy 2024–2028 is a roadmap born from direct dialogue with student leaders, regional partners, and frontline defenders. We are not just protecting individuals; we are preserving the democratic future of our entire region.