Students at a number of public universities across the country have been facing ongoing challenges with student accommodation and NSFAS funding since the start of the academic year. However, in a statement, the South African Student Union (SAUS) has announced that while some issues are still not resolved, some progress has been made.
Back in January, National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) made a number of changes to their eligibility criteria. One of these changes was that university students needed to achieve a 55% course credit pass rate in order to continue receiving funding.
This was adjusted from the previous 50%, resulting in thousands of students losing their financial assistance. However, SAUS made a proposal to NSFAS and following the Minister's signature on this proposal, all students who were wrongfully terminated and excluded, will receive funding.
Students funded by NSFAS will also be granted a 10% increase in their food allowance immediately at the next payment.
The student accommodation crisis has brought about several protests over the past few weeks, following the recent R45 000 accommodation blanket cap. This price cap resulted in thousands of students being unable to find affordable accommodation, leaving them homeless. SAUS reports that NSFAS is working with various stakeholders and unions to deal with this crisis and protect students from "private accommodation vultures".
SAUS has called on all student representative councils to supply a list of the students who have been affected by the accommodation cap. SAUS will then hand this list over to NSFAS to ensure that no student is left without a place to live.
Meetings between SAUS, NSFAS and various stakeholders will continue until the remaining issues are resolved.
