Boland College Students Protest NSFAS Non-Payment
Boland College Students Protest NSFAS Non-Payment. Strand, South Africa Students from Boland College’s Strand campus took to the streets on Monday, 24 February, protesting against delayed payments from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Chanting freedom songs and holding banners with bold messages such as “Give us our money, NSFAS,” and “Enough is enough,” the students expressed their frustration over overdue financial aid. Some even highlighted their personal struggles, with one student carrying a sign that read “I am homeless.”
Why Are Boland College Students Protesting?
The protest, led by the Student Representative Council (SRC) and backed by the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA), aimed to address several critical issues, including:
- Delayed NSFAS application results
- Late NSFAS payments affecting tuition and accommodation
- Students facing eviction due to unpaid rent
- Declining class attendance and increasing dropout rates
According to Mogamat Josephs, SRC vice-chairperson, the lack of timely payments has had severe consequences, leaving many students unable to register for classes or secure housing.
“Students are being evicted as a result of late NSFAS payments, which prevent them from registering,” he said. “At the Strand campus, we have seen a significant drop in student attendance, leading to a high number of dropouts.”
A Peaceful Protest With a Clear Message
While the demonstration gathered momentum, SRC chairperson Chevolean Speelman Benadie clarified that their protest was not against Boland College itself, but rather against NSFAS, which manages the financial aid process.
“Boland College is only the middleman between students and NSFAS,” he explained. “That’s why we are protesting outside the gates, and we have kept it peaceful. We don’t want to cause any damage to our campus.”
What’s Next?
The protesting students remain eager to return to their classes but insist that NSFAS must address their concerns before they can continue their studies without financial distress. The SRC has urged the financial aid scheme to resolve all outstanding payments immediately to prevent further disruptions in students’ education.
With an increasing number of students struggling due to financial aid delays, the situation underscores the need for urgent reform in how NSFAS disburses funds.
Conclusion
The NSFAS non-payment crisis is a growing issue affecting students nationwide, with Boland College’s Strand campus being just one example. As financial aid plays a crucial role in enabling education for underprivileged students, timely disbursements are essential to prevent dropouts and ensure academic success.
