NSFAS: HELPFUL, OR HELPLESS?

Suzanne-Marie Botha

@szmrie

With the first day of March comes yet another registration deadline extension issued by the North-West University (NWU), in an attempt to provide solutions regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding problems. Registration for the year 2023 will now be open until Friday, 3 March. 

On Tuesday, 28 February, a total of 11 437 contact first-time entry students (FTENs) were fully registered, while 1 184 remained conditionally registered. The amount of fully registered contact senior/returning students was at 37 993, with about 3 136 conditionally registered students. 

It is evident that many of students remain highly dependent on financial aid from the likes of NSFAS and are now left without the means to complete their registration, while also struggling to find suitable accommodation during the academic year. With limited means of direct communication with NSFAS, NWU students find themselves looking to the Student Representative Council (SRC) and Student Campus Council (SCC) to represent them during these uncertain times. 

Yikumba Andreas, SRC and SCC president, claims that the student leadership council is working hard to support the students during this time. There are various challenges that are preventing students from registering, and they aim to address these to the best of their abilities. He mentions that communication from NSFAS, however, is a problem only they themselves can address. “If NSFAS can stick to their timelines, and actually communicate timelines to institutions, then we will have clarity with regards to certain matters as well,” he added. 

At the beginning of the registration period, NSFAS provided the university with a list of provisionally funded students. These students were then financially cleared by the institution. Students have access to a dashboard on the NSFAS website that provides information regarding their funding status. However, there have been claims of discrepancies between the list provided, and the students who have been cleared according to their dashboard. These students came to the university and attempted to register, but were unable to do so, as their names were not mentioned on the list provided. Many students have been displaced because of these issues, since their failure to register also impacts their accommodation options. 

Wapad received reports from various students, who wish to remain anonymous, about the situation they are facing. It is apparent that the uncertainty surrounding NSFAS pay-outs remains concerning, even to those who already have a confirmed bursary. The lack of timely pay-outs affects various aspects of the lives of these students, since the academic year at the university continues regardless. Meanwhile, these individuals need to wait for registration, accommodation, funding for books, and monthly expenses. As a result, they struggle to keep up with the demanding schedule expected in tertiary education. Another issue is the lack of timely, trustworthy communication. Students don’t know what’s going on and resort to discussing matters with their fellow students. 

According to SAnews.gov.za, NSFAS also amended their requirements for the 2023 academic year. Now, FTENs need to maintain a course credit pass rate of 50%, and continuing university students are subject to a course credit pass rate of 55%. Students who fail to meet these requirements will no longer be funded by NSFAS.

Wapad was approached by a previous SCC member, who wishes to remain anonymous. He stated that, “NSFAS is in the business of funding the minimum possible number of students.” It seems NSFAS is amending the list of requirements without clear communication to the students, and many students were blindsided as a result. 

Students are the ones suffering, which is why they expect student leadership to step in. Various universities countrywide have attempted to remedy or bring attention the situation, with the latest trending topic #NoStudentWillBeLeftBehind.

The SCC is currently in the process of organising a fundraising event, in collaboration with various celebrities, which they hope will translate into support for issues such as student registration as well as student debt to the institution. “We are trying to help students, because you can’t get your degree if you still have outstanding fees,” Andreas stated. Other initiatives that are happening on campus include the provision of food parcels to students in need.

“The role of the SRC is to put operational plans in place so they can try to handle the situation,” says Andreas. The NWU SRC has been provided with funding in an attempt to aid them as they take on the registration process of students. In the past week, both the Motsepe Foundation and management at the NWU have stepped in and donated funds to assist the SRC in their attempts to aid students. Donations have come to the amount of R3 250 000. Prof Bismark Tyobeka, Vice-Chancellor of the NWU, addressed students on 1 March. He stated that he hopes the funds provided will be able to assist academically deserving students in the settlement of their registration fees, during a time where aid from NSFAS remains uncertain.

There is also optimism for future funding from donors, which will then address other issues the SRC and students are facing during this time. “We thank the student leadership including the SRC, SCC, and all the subordinate leadership structures for their continued commitment and efforts in maintaining a vibrant student life. We must remain focused towards a successful completion of the 2023 academic year,” Tyobeka added.