Approximately 100 students from various universities across South Africa marched to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) head offices in Cape Town on Wednesday. The students voiced their concerns over funding and the organization’s need for more responsiveness. This march demanded change from South African university students who feel neglected by the financial aid system.
Students’ Frustrations with the Current Financial Aid System
The students were armed with placards, expressing their frustrations with the current financial aid system. The student representative council (SRC) leaders expressed their disappointment with the South African Union of Students (SAUS) and other stakeholders, stating that their attempts to seek clarity have been met with arrogance and ambiguity. This has left the students feeling disoriented while an unyielding bureaucracy is trampling on their dreams and aspirations.
The Primary Issue Raised by the Students
The primary issue raised by the students is the NSFAS’s directive issued on November 16, 2022, which seeks to take over the process of distributing allowances from universities. While the message claims to combat rampant corruption, students argue it needs more transparency and inclusivity, as SRCs were not involved in the decision-making process.
The Students’ Demands
Hlengiwe Dube, the SRC president of the University of Cape Town, presented a memo with 16 demands to NSFAS’s Chief Financial Officer, Masile Ramorwesi, and spokesperson Slumezi Skosana. The demands include an immediate end to NSFAS’s direct payment plan, a call for institutions to continue facilitating student payments, approval of current appeals applications within four weeks, quick release of funding lists, and the termination of NSFAS’s CEO, with the scheme being placed under administration.
Warning from SRC President
Mandla Onke Notyawa, the SRC president of the University of the Western Cape, warned that the students would intensify their actions if the NSFAS did not respond to their demands within the allocated time. Notyawa asserted that the students were against the incompetencies of the NSFAS offices and would not leave without answers.
Urgency for the Financial Aid System to be Improved
Okune April, the SRC president of the University of Free State, shared a heartbreaking anecdote highlighting the severity of the situation. April mentioned that some landlords had offered female students struggling with NSFAS issues a proposition to exchange sexual favors for rent payment. This deplorable situation further emphasizes the urgency for improving the financial aid system.
In conclusion, the South African university students’ march represents a call for change. They demand transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in addressing their grievances. With a 48-hour deadline for NSFAS to respond, the organization must take these concerns seriously and work towards improving the financial aid process for the betterment of the student’s future.
