Students March to Parliament Demanding Reversal of Controversial NSFAS Direct Payment System and Policy Changes.A group of university students took to the streets on Wednesday, converging on Parliament to voice their opposition against the recently introduced direct banking system by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Challenges Faced by NSFAS-Funded Students
Over the past months, students receiving financial assistance from NSFAS have grappled with various issues pertaining to fund disbursement and student allowances distribution.
March for Change
Led by Student Representative Councils (SRCs) from institutions across the Western Cape, a sizable contingent of discontented students marched to the Parliament building in Cape Town. Their mission was to present a memorandum of demands to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, outlining their grievances and seeking change.
Demands for Greater Transparency and Immediate Action
The memorandum of demands, directed towards the Minister and the Parliamentary Committee on Higher Education, encompasses a series of requests. These include enhanced transparency in SRC consultations, decentralization of NSFAS for swift resolutions, prompt review of student defunding policies, removal of the accommodation cap, support for “missing middle” students, abolition of the 60-credit policy, consistent funding criteria, and rejection of the NSFAS Direct Payments system.
Non-Negotiable Expectations
The memorandum underlines two non-negotiable stipulations: receipt acknowledgment within 24 hours and a response within 7 working days. Failure to address these demands could escalate the campaign against NSFAS-related issues.
Root Causes of the Protest
This demonstration follows a series of protests across various institutions in the country, prompted by a range of concerns. Chief among these are delays in disbursing student allowances, issues with the problematic direct payment system, and increased bank charges associated with the new system.
New Direct Payment Solution
In a bid to streamline Nsfas allowance disbursement and mitigate delays, the scheme introduced a novel direct payment solution facilitated by the NSFAS MasterCard. This approach entailed collaboration with four banking service providers: Tenet Technology, Coinvest Africa, Ezaga Holdings, and Norraco Corporation.
Implementation Challenges
Some students have expressed frustration with the onboarding process for the new system, citing communication issues and questioning its introduction mid-academic year.
Opposition to Current Direct Payments System
The students unequivocally reject the current Direct Payments system, deeming it responsible for exorbitant fees and urging NSFAS to recalibrate its core mission.
Concerns over Excessive Bank Charges
Despite piloting the direct banking system at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in 2022, its university-wide implementation has been met with complaints. These include fund non-receipt, high bank charges, technical glitches, and unauthorized access leading to fund loss.
Rejecting the 60-Credit Policy
The students’ leaders strongly oppose the 60-credit policy’s implementation, asserting it unfairly burdens financially challenged students. This policy renders students studying less than 60-course credits ineligible for accommodation, living, and transport allowances, necessitating additional personal expense.
Demand for Defunding Policy Review
The students’ leaders call for an immediate review of the NSFAS defunding policy, highlighting instances of abrupt defunding without recourse. They stress that this unjust practice impedes academic pursuits and exacerbates educational inequality.
Removing Accommodation Allowance Cap
The imposition of a R45,000 cap on accommodation allowances for NSFAS students has raised concerns. Stakeholders worry this cap could render some students homeless. The students demand a nuanced approach that considers the unique context of each institution.
NSFAS’s Response to Student Concerns
NSFAS Board Chairperson Ernest Khosa acknowledged initial teething issues and student difficulties with the new payment system. He cited technical glitches caused by high internet traffic and issues with data integration as contributing factors.
Ongoing Developments
This situation is ongoing, and further updates may be forthcoming to provide the latest information.
Conclusion
In the heart of the student protest lies a fervent plea for fairness and practicality within NSFAS. Their demands for transparency, policy reform, and system improvements underscore a collective determination to create a more accessible and supportive educational journey. As this movement unfolds, it urges a reevaluation of financial aid mechanisms and echoes the vital call for an equitable education for all.
