A group of University of Limpopo students has complained that they haven’t yet received their allowances from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Students who stay in private accommodation have shared that they rely on their NSFAS allowances to pay rent.
A Computer Science final year student shared that he has to pay for rent, study material, and electricity.
It has been reported that there are university students that also have been evicted.
In a SABC live interview, student leader, Kamogelo Poto urged:
I was surprised as to why the management of the University of Limpopo is refusing to give students advances because it is saddening to see students suffer like this.
Poto further mentioned that tests have commenced at the university whilst students still have the issue of accommodation.
In a statement by the university, it has been confirmed that mandatory tests have been postponed for the first week of April 2022, and faculties will be issuing schedules so that both staff members and students are informed of the new dates.
For the full official state of the university, click here.
On the topic of allowances, the university has called the situation difficult as it is unable to give an exact date on when funds will be released to students.
According to the university’s Registrar, Prof. Kwena Masha, the issue is the university having sufficient capacity to process all the allocations in time.
NSFAS said that its approved students have been allowed to register without paying registration.
NSFAS spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo explained that payments will be made in trenches, starting in April.
Mamabolo further said that it is a known agreement that institutions are advised to advance allowances to eligible students.
