University of Limpopo Student Representative Council (SRC) Slams NSFAS for Late Payments
The Student Representative Council (SRC) at the University of Limpopo has criticized the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for its failure to promptly process payments, affecting close to 100,000 students across five universities in South Africa. The SRC has taken action by providing essential food packs to affected students due to the uncertainty surrounding when the overdue payments will be made.
Impact on Students
The delayed payments have placed thousands of students in a difficult situation. At Limpopo University, the SRC has stepped in to support these students by offering food assistance. These delays in payment processing have created great uncertainty and stress for the affected students.
Critique from SRC President
The president of the Limpopo University SRC, Khutso Mamabolo, expressed frustration with NSFAS, emphasizing their lack of urgency in addressing the issue. Mamabolo pointed out the disconnect between the promises made by the funding scheme and the actual implementation of solutions. This has led to the SRC physically traveling to Cape Town to engage with NSFAS representatives to hold them accountable.
Mamabolo stated, “We have a serious problem of promises without action. The SRC has to take a flight to Cape Town to meet these people to live up to their commitments. We’ve had numerous meetings and tried to call them several times, and sometimes we’re able to reach them and sometimes not.”
Student Struggles at the University of Venda
The impact of delayed payments is not limited to Limpopo University alone. Makatane Nayene, a Bachelor of Science student at the University of Venda, shared the difficult circumstances that students face, especially during exam periods. Nayene described the hunger experienced by students and the unpredictable nature of finding meals, stating, “If you hear me shaking, it’s because of the hunger. Now you just eat by luck. When you meet comrades in the streets, you follow them hoping they are going to eat.”
Conclusion
These testimonies from both SRC leaders and students highlight the urgent need for NSFAS to address and expedite the processing of student allowances. The delays are severely impacting students’ academic pursuits and overall well-being. It is crucial for NSFAS to take immediate action in order to alleviate the difficult circumstances faced by these students.
