Student protests flare up over historic debt

THE University of KwaZulu-Natal, has R1.7 billion of outstanding student debt as it grapples to deal with historic debts and student protests.

This was revealed by Ashton Bodrick, Executive Director of Corporate Relations Division at UKZN, who said the university’s registration and historic debt processes are amongst the most enabling for students.

With just a week left till formal lectures commence, on-campus registration at UKZN Howard College had to be halted this week after student protests flared up with historic debt being the point of contestation.

On Tuesday, violence broke out between private security and protesting students on Tuesday as rocks, rubber bullets were exchanged between the two groups. Four students were arrested and have since been released with warnings.

“The university has a rule that self-funded students with a combined family income below R350 000 have to pay 15% of their historic debt (capped at R15 000) to be allowed to register.”

Mphathi Majola, chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command, described this rule as a “declaration of war against financially struggling students.”

The university management has met with the student leadership and defended its policies.

“It is worth noting that 67% of the student population are eligible to register without making any payments for registration fees. These are students who are current beneficiaries of NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme), or the University’s financial aid, or sponsorships from private and public organisations,” said Bodrick.

WATCH: VIDEO: Student protests flare up at UKZN, UNISA

Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology has categorically stated that the government will not cover the historic debt of students who are not NSFAS bursaries.

“The department is also working to develop a regulatory framework which will in the longer term ensure that fees are kept at affordable levels,” said Nzimande in a statement.

 

DUT students left stranded overnight

AT DUT this week, more than 30 students were left stranded overnight at the Durban University of Technology after being unable to find accommodation.

In pictures shared on social media, the students were pictured carrying luggage and sitting outside the Steve Biko Campus. The pictures have led to a social media outcry on many student pages.

Thamsanqa Mewmela, suspended DUT Student Representative Council President, who shot a video of the stranded students said, “It is time we expose DUT, we have been quiet for a long time.”

Cebolenkosi Buthelezi, SRC for Organizations and Accomodations, said he was disheartened with the incident and would be meeting with management on organising temporary accommodation for the students.

Alan Khan, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs at DUT, said that temporary accomodation was made availble to students and those who decided to sleep outside “done so to pursue their own agenda.”

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