Nelson Mandela University Students Protest for NSFAS Allowances and Resources

Protests and blockades by students at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha have highlighted critical issues faced by those funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), demanding immediate disbursement of outstanding allowances and better support for accommodation and online learning.

The upheaval began with students blockading roads to the south campus on consecutive days, prompted by the non-payment of NSFAS allowances. Their action, led by the university’s Central Student Representative Council (CSRC), underscored the struggle students face — lack of accommodation, attending classes hungry, and facing the threat of de-funding by NSFAS.

Despite agreeing to suspend protests after dialogues with the university's management, students remain on edge. The university has shifted most lectures to an online format until it feels conditions are safe for a conventional learning environment. However, this decision has garnered criticism, particularly from student leader Bonginkosi Shongwe, who highlighted that the move to online learning favors those with resources, leaving NSFAS-funded students disadvantaged due to a lack of data and equipment necessary for digital education.

Online learning challenges revolve around the non-provision of data allowances and delayed laptop applications for first-year students. Shongwe pointed out the inadequate support for NSFAS-funded students, who remain without laptops and have not received data for online classes. He warned that if the university failed to meet its commitments, students would resume their protests.

The CSRC also demands increased campus accommodation for needy students, provision of data for online learning, and an extension of shuttle services to facilitate student transportation.

In response, the university acknowledged the constraints students face. While noting that there is insufficient on-campus accommodation to meet the demand, efforts are being made to partner with private landlords through off-campus student accommodation projects. As a temporary measure, the campus clinic was slated to distribute 600 food packages, supplementing this with 250 meals and soup kitchens during the week.

Furthermore, the university promised to expedite the appeals process to allow academically deserving students more time to register. Addressing the laptop issue, the university informed that NSFAS has released book allowances which could be utilized by students to secure laptops, offering a partial resolution to one of the pressing problems.

The protests at Nelson Mandela University have brought into focus the broader challenges faced by students across South Africa, issues that NSFAS and educational institutions must urgently tackle to ensure inclusive and equitable access to education. As the temporary halt in protest stands, the situation remains precarious, with the potential for further disruptions if resolutions are not hastily implemented.