Learners at Nkangala TVET colleges have entered the second week of protests over NSFAS funding and accommodation issues. The learners expressed discontentment, stating they were not consulted about an accommodation pilot project introduced by the scheme. Part of the pilot project that students are unhappy about is the decision for NSFAS to no longer deposit funds directly into learners’ accounts, but rather to accommodation service providers. Following a meeting with NSFAS officials on 23 February, the Campus Students Representative Council (CSRC) reported that students were dissatisfied with the feedback received. CSRC secretary, Koketso Mokwena, told Highveld Chronicle that they had clearly communicated to students that the accommodation pilot project is a policy-based issue that needs to be addressed by the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Association (SATVETSA), particularly with NSFAS and Minister Blade Nzimande. “Students found the implementation of the policies very absurd,” he stated. “As a result, students have resorted to disrupting campuses as a consequence of disdain, disappointment, and anger.” Mokwena emphasized that most students feel it is unfair and irresponsible for SATVETSA and NSFAS to make such sensitive decisions without consulting them. He added, “Students passionately reject the accommodation pilot project 2024 on the basis that they are being excluded from the decision-making processes.” Mokwena further highlighted that the implementation of this policy is delayed. “The policy is being implemented late in the academic year, while the majority of students have already arranged accommodation of their own choice, paid for by themselves,” he explained. “Students stress that the policy should be implemented at the beginning of the academic year.” He also noted that Nkangala campuses such as Mpondozankomo, Bhova, and Middelburg lack proper residential facilities that could be accredited in the area. “The funds assist students with other essential needs like food, clothes, and toiletries, etc.”
