Tuks students protest against NSFAS payment system
Students from the University of Pretoria on Wednesday took to the streets on Wednesday in what they called a "peaceful protest" against the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)'s direct payment system.
The students marched to the Union Buildings to express their frustrations.
The university’s SRC President Njabulo Sibeko says their demands are simple and obtainable.
"What we are asking for is very simple. Direct payments must stop, and the system must go back to what it was. The university must be responsible for the disbursement of allowances. All students that were defunded must be re-instated. Students who are doing modules under 60 credits must be accommodated and given their allowances"
The Department of Higher Education announced new regulations in May, which could lead to the defunding of students enrolled in courses worth less than 60 credits.
The rule requires students enrolled in courses that add up to less than 60 credits collectively to provide their own funding for their living expenses.
The financial scheme would also start paying allowances directly to students with the help of financial technology service providers.
The new allowance payment system has led to delays in students receiving their allowances.
ActionSA’s UP student chapter chair Donald Letsoalo said a memorandum of demands would be directed to Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande and President Cyril Ramaphosa.
"I am hoping the minister of higher education will receive the memorandum from the SRC. I have no idea what is included in the memorandum, but the main issue is the defunded students," said Letsoalo.
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