About the South African Union of Students
A constitutional overview of SAUS — its establishment, mandate, institutional history, and continental standing as South Africa's official national student body.
Institutional Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Designation | South African Union of Students (SAUS) |
| Date of Establishment | April 2006 |
| Legal Status | Non-Profit National Student Representative Body |
| Current Congress | 9th National Executive Committee (2025) |
| Institutional Coverage | All 26 Public Universities in the Republic of South Africa |
| Headquarters | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Website | www.saus.org.za |
| General Correspondence | Secretariat@saus.org.za |
| Office Hours | Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00 |
| Source: SAUS Secretariat, 2026 | |
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission Statement
To consolidate and strengthen students' views in the governance and enhancement of Higher Education and Training in South Africa, ensuring every student has access to affordable, quality, and inclusive education — delivered within a system that is equitable, non-sexist, non-racial, and democratic.
Vision Statement
A unified, equitable, non-sexist, non-racial, democratic, and well-governed education system that is appropriate and responsive to the needs of South Africa, Africa, and the world — providing a conducive environment for learning, teaching, research, and community service.
Historical Background
SAUS represents a historic milestone in South African student politics — the first national union of students constituted since the dissolution of the National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) in the late 1980s. Students have played an instrumental role in education since the 1960s, most notably in the 1976 Soweto Uprisings.