In a country that is barely able to meet the basic needs of its people and is largely dependent on social funds, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) is still under pressure to fund the ever-growing number of students eager for higher education. . According to education expert and Stellenbosch University Professor Sioux McKenna, the ongoing funding problem cannot be separated from the poor communities in which the university operates. they owe a fee, while the newcomers fight for…
In a country that is barely able to meet the basic needs of its people and is largely dependent on social funds, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is still under pressure to finance the ever-growing number of students eager for higher education. .
According to education expert and Stellenbosch University Professor Sioux McKenna, the ongoing funding problem cannot be separated from the impoverished communities in which the university operates.
The campus protested
University and college campuses are rocked by protests at the start of each academic year as many are unable to return due to debt, while freshmen struggle to secure funding and accommodation.
Western Cape, Cape Town, Pretoria, Free State, Nelson Mandela Bay and Sol Plaatjie universities experienced protests over registration issues and lack of accommodation for Nsfas-funded students.
At the University of Pretoria, students slept outside their residential offices to draw attention to their plight with the Nsfas funding process.
For 2023, Nsfas received more than a million applications and set aside R47 billion in funding for the academic year.
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Nsfas life
McKenna says there needs to be a serious conversation about the sustainability of Nsfas.
He said centralization of payments as a result of mismanagement in some institutions is not good.
“In many universities, Nsfas allocations and payments have been poorly managed. Now students are experiencing delays in getting funding with negative consequences for their studies and mental well-being.
“However, there must be a serious conversation about the sustainability of Nsfas. The budget increases every year, leading to cuts in other university projects, with potential consequences for the quality of research, teaching and learning.
“Nsfas is an amazing program that provides opportunities for many who would not be able to access higher education without it. Universities are increasingly having to deal with the problem of providing meals and toiletries etc., to students who cannot afford to pay for themselves.
Social issues such as high unemployment and poverty have a major impact on educational institutions, McKenna said.
“Without job opportunities through mass public works or economic stimulation, many young people are turning to higher education in the hope that the paper will open the door to a decent life for themselves and their families.
“Unfortunately, the chances of success in the system remain low. Poor schools make them unprepared for the complex practices of universities and the many pressures on academics in universities make it a challenge to provide adequate support to students.
A ‘pro-poor’ government is needed
McKenna said the country needs a “pro-poor” government that works for all.
“In a country with the largest percentage of the population living on social grants, Nsfas or the higher education system cannot solve the problem.
“What is needed is a pro-poor government that invests in building an economy for all. The discussion about the Nsfas system that is not contextualized from the discussion about corruption, cronyism and the hoarding of wealth by the state elite does not reflect the more important picture of the problem of student funding.
Drag wars between universities, landlords
Meanwhile, the SA Union of Students (Saus) has blamed service providers and universities for the lack of accommodation for Nsfas beneficiaries.
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Spokesperson Asive Dlanjwa said the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Pretoria were the only two institutions whose service providers were charging more than the R4 500 monthly Nsfas rent.
While most service providers meet Nsfas minimum standard requirements such as safety, adequate living conditions and a safe environment – many add unnecessary frills and charge more, making accommodation unaffordable for poor students.
“Even the on-campus accommodation has a different package – R3 500 for a room, while a room with a kitchen can go up to R4 000.
“We have always said that Nsfas beneficiaries prefer basic accommodation in these institutions. Those who can afford more can pay this additional fee, but basic accommodation that meets the minimum standards should be set aside for state-funded students.
He accused the institution of colluding with service providers.
“Why is there no rent cap issue at TUT? [Tshwane University of Technology], which in the same city UP? Or at UCT and UWC?
“The burden of living in a high place should not be in the country. It does not make sense that we lack funding but we fund luxury. You cannot say that there is a drastic difference in the property market for TUT and UP.
Said McKenna: “I think the seemingly sensible accommodation requirement, intended to protect students from the hunger of greedy landlords, is simply not working – with the unintended consequence of a lack of places for students.
“Well, a lot of them [landlords] nor can they meet the minimum requirements. Perhaps it is true that they are not allowed to rent out for the beneficiaries of Nsfas – but then we have a lack of places Nsfas-approved. This is a catch-22 situation.
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