The ongoing challenges with NSFAS funding have had a profound impact on Unisa students, particularly concerning their second semester registration. The delays and uncertainties in funding allocation have left many students in a precarious position, unable to register on time and continue their academic journey.
The financial stress caused by these delays is immense. Students who depend on NSFAS for their tuition and living expenses are left in limbo, struggling to make ends meet. This financial instability not only affects their ability to focus on their studies but also their overall well-being and mental health.
We call on Buti Manamela to prioritize the release of funds instead of focusing on deploying his ANC allies on the SETA board. As an affected LLB Unisa student, my hopes of graduating are reduced due to the corrupt ANC-led government, which chooses to fund national dialogues at the expense of students.
As a former Provincial Secretary of Umkhonto Wesizwe in Mpumalanga, we will continue putting pressure and mobilizing other affected students to march to the Union Buildings. As students, we are unapologetic about free, decolonized education that was announced by HE President Jacob Zuma.
Moreover, the misalignment between NSFAS funding criteria and institutional processes has exacerbated the situation, creating confusion and further delays. This has led to a significant number of students being left without the necessary financial support to pursue their education.
The impact of these funding issues is far-reaching. It threatens to widen the gap in educational attainment, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who rely heavily on financial aid. The strain on the university’s resources as it tries to support unfunded students also hampers its ability to invest in other critical areas, affecting the overall quality of education.
It is imperative that all stakeholders, including NSFAS, the government, and educational institutions, work together to immediately address our funding issues.