Quazulu-Natal students demand immediate action in the form of unpaid fees from NSFA and DHET and disrupt the delayed registration educational progress.
In Durban, Kwazulu-Natal (Kzn), the student said the National Students Financial Assistance Scheme (NSFAS), Higher Education and Training Department (DHET) and NSFAS said amid delayed payments that they are actively working together to resolve the ongoing funding challenges.
Since the beginning of the academic year, university students have faced several funding challenges, including application discrepancies, late registration confirmation and appeal, and lack of budget.
Students from various higher education institutions in KZN marched on non-paying on Friday.
Durban students march on non-payment on NSFAS
The students started gathering at King Dinuzulu Park of Durban to demand immediate intervention from the plan and the department.
Read an indication by Congress-confused students of South African students, “NSFAS will have to pay all historical loans left unpaid by NSFAS. Students should close the cases of the closout project to get their qualifications.”
“DHET should now clarify historical debt” and “release the loan funding guidelines with immediate effect” read the signals from the EFF Students Command (EFFSC).
Also read: Dut NSFAS registration portal denies claims of closure
Due to the errors made during the application process, some universities who applied during the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) application cycle were issues with their registration status.
Late registration confirmation and appeal, and lack of budget
The DHET and NSFAS stated that the registration status of some students was confirmed only after the official deadline, delaying their reach in funding support.
Due to a limited remaining budget, students who have been appealed are also facing financial shortages. It is affecting registration and their ability to pay for related costs.
Also read: NSFAS Slam ‘Fake News’ about the closure of registration portal
In a joint statement on Friday, DHET and NSFAS stated that they are actively collaborating to resolve these challenges.
“Efforts involve reviewing applications from students applying during the TVET application cycle, for students who were submitted late and provide funds to search for options to allocate additional resources to support students with approved appeal,” institutions said.
Institutions should assist students – DHET and NSFA
DHET and NSFA also encourage higher education institutions to help students resolve outstanding issues to assist students.
DHET and NSFAS said, “We are committed to ensure that all eligible students have access to the money required to continue their studies without unfair disruption.”
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of students and stakeholders because we work diligently to rapidly resolve these issues.”
Also read: NSFAS SIU receives more than R850 million after investigation