Tshwane University of Technology campuses across the country will remain closed as students protests.
On Monday morning TUT students marched from the Soshanguve north campus to the south campus demanding that all National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) beneficiaries who reside on campus be paid their meal allowances directly into their bank accounts
The students are not happy with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) for not paying meal allowances for those residing at off-campus residences.
TUT explained that is has not control over Nsfas allowances, and that students must approach the department of higher education.
Soshanguve SRC president Lucky Nkambule said NSFAS and the department of higher education were not taking students seriously.
“There’s a [Department of Higher Education and Training] circular six that is seeking to exclude many students, there are students who stay outside the university and the policy of NSFAS is saying those students are not going to receive allowances,” Nkambule said.
Nkambule said they gave the university and NSFAS ample time to discuss the matter, as it sidelined some students, but had not received a response.
“We are saying to NSFAS we are rejecting the circular six because it’s causing havoc with our students. We want equal allowances to all beneficiaries of NSFAS.”
According to the university’s spokesperson, Willa De Ruyter, a decision was taken to suspend classes following concern over the safety of students and staff.
Management at the Tshwane University of Technology says that it will reach out to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in a bid to resolve problems that have led to protests at the institution.
TUT spokesperson Willa de Ruyter said that the university remains committed to helping affected students and to considering the suitability of private establishments, which have applied to provide student accommodation.
