South African society is currently experiencing a breakdown of morals, which is negatively impacting not only communities but also teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). There appears to be a widespread lack of respect for authority, accountability, and good manners among students, who often display rudeness, laziness, dishonesty, and disrespect towards academic staff. These observations indicate a moral crisis in HEIs, which is closely linked to students' reluctance to embrace positive values such as respect, tolerance, obedience, and punctuality. The article aimed to investigate the reasons behind students' display of negative values, focusing on disrespect, dishonesty, and a sense of academic entitlement. Data were gathered through observations and participant interviews, revealing several reasons why students tend to adhere to negative values over positive ones. One recommendation is to introduce values education into university curricula, if not already present. Additionally, universities should explicitly define their values and communicate them to both staff and students, encouraging all parties to work towards restoring moral integrity in HEIs.