Allowance non-payment leaves students destitute

News24 01 June 2018

Without their allowances, many students on tertiary campuses across South Africa are left destitute and hungry, Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training heard last week, reports Jan Gerber for News24.

Student organisations, the South African Further Education and Training Student Association (SAFETSA) and the South African Union of Students, told the committee of a range of logistical problems which hampered students who were dependent on NSFAS – the National Student Financial Aid Scheme – to fulfil their academic potential, with the failure to pay out allowances being a major concern. This was fuelling a lot of frustration on campuses, which sometimes resulted in the burning or destruction of property, SAFETSA President Yonke Twani said.

"You're not justifying the destruction of property?" asked Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor. "Because this is no justification." She said destroying property did not bring allowances or facilities.
Full report on News24

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