Internet users unimpressed with NSFAS amid the rise of students seeking financial assistance for studies

by Nomonde Simelane

Almost a decade after the nationwide ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests, the fight for free or accessible education for all continues. Social media is seeing a rise in students pleading for financial assistance to continue with school or receive their qualifications.

Students across the country’s universities spearheaded the ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests where they aimed to stop the continuous increase in university fees and fight to increase funding for those who could not afford to attend these institutions of higher learning.

Unfortunately, almost a decade after these protests, students still find themselves unable to register or complete their courses due to being dropped by funders such as NSFAS mid-year, leaving them without a plan or way forward. This has been observed by internet users who have played their roles in assisting students who have used the power of social media to cover any debt they owe their respective institutions.

These users have called entities such as NSFAS out, as their appalling governance has left many children not knowing how they will obtain their qualifications.

These events have also led to an even bigger conversation of understanding class and inequality in the South African context, as one of the most unequal societies in the world. Some users inquired why these students who clearly cannot afford these institutions cannot opt for less expensive schools and courses as an alternative.

This triggered an angry response from users who then explained that these universities are public institutions and should therefore cater to the majority of the population, which happens to be filled with middle and low class families.

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