Tshwane: Students to protest over NSFAS funds today
SASCO organised a march set to take place today in Pretoria, calling for urgent action regarding NSFAS allowances.
Hundreds of students, organised by the South African Student Congress (SASCO), are set to march today, Friday 12 April, in Pretoria, calling for urgent action regarding the disbursement of funds from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Beginning at 10:00, participants will assemble at Burgers Park before embarking on a procession towards the Department of Higher Education, located at 123 Francis Baard Street, Pretoria.
THE AFFECTED STREETS
The planned route will see marchers traverse through key thoroughfares, including Lilian Ngoyi Street, Visagie Street, and Bosman Street, before concluding at their destination by 14:00.
Motorists are advised to anticipate disruptions along these routes and consider alternative pathways such as Struben Street, Pretorius Street, Madiba Street, and Johannes Ramokhoase Street.
To ensure public safety and order, both Tshwane Metro Police Officers and South African Police Service personnel will be deployed to oversee the march and manage traffic flow.
NZIMANDE RESPONDS TO ONGOING NSFAS CHALLENGES
Responding to the ongoing challenges faced by students regarding NSFAS allowances, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande, expressed concern over the recurring issue of delayed payments.
Nzimande affirmed his commitment to resolving the matter swiftly, acknowledging its detrimental impact on students’ welfare and the overall functioning of the education system.
“Given the magnitude of this problem and its negative impact on the well-being of students and the continued functioning of our post school education and training system.
“In the next few days, the Minister will be taking a series of additional and decisive steps, all of which are intended to have the problem of non-payment of allowances resolved as a matter of priority,” said Nzimande.
In a proactive step towards addressing these concerns, Nzimande has directed NSFAS, with the support of the Department, to establish a dedicated Task Team.
This team will conduct on-site visits to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities affected by NSFAS-related issues. Already underway, these efforts aim to identify and rectify payment discrepancies promptly.
Additionally, Nzimande dissolved the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on Thursday, placing it under administration due to ongoing issues with non-payment affecting numerous beneficiaries.
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