TUT Student Protest in Pretoria Urges Minister Nzimande to Address NSFAS Funding Issues

TUT Student Protest in Pretoria. The Student Representative Council (SRC) at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) recently led a protest march through the streets of Pretoria Central, voicing their concerns over the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.

The protest specifically targeted the scheme’s new direct payment method, which has led to numerous difficulties for student beneficiaries in accessing their allowances.

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TUT Student Protest in Pretoria Urges Minister Nzimande to Address NSFAS Funding Issues

Challenges with NSFAS Direct Payment Method

In June, the NSFAS announced a new payment method, wherein beneficiaries would receive their allowances through the NSFAS bank account.

However, since its implementation, students have encountered technical glitches that have hindered their access to the funds they depend on to sustain themselves.

Careless Rollout and Demands for Change

The protesting students expressed their frustration at the careless rollout of the new payment system, emphasizing that it consistently faces technical issues. They criticized the NSFAS for not thoroughly addressing these concerns before implementing the change.

Many students rely on these allowances to cover essential living expenses, and the delays in receiving funds have left them in precarious financial situations.

TUT SRC Calls for Immediate Action

The President of TUT’s SRC, Keamogetswe Masike, urged Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande to take urgent action in resolving the problems associated with the NSFAS bank account.

The students demand that the minister do away with the current direct payment method and revert to the traditional system, where allowances are paid directly into the personal bank accounts of beneficiaries.

According to Masike, most students prefer this traditional method, as it has proven to be more reliable and efficient.

Conclusion

The protest led by the TUT SRC in Pretoria highlights the pressing issue of NSFAS funding and the challenges arising from the recent implementation of the direct payment method.

Students at TUT and other institutions across the country depend on timely access to their allowances for their day-to-day living expenses.

The appeal to Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande aims to draw attention to the urgent need for resolution and ensure that students receive the financial support they require to continue their education without undue hardships.