Determined DUT student appeals for help
The student said that despite the problems he is experiencing, he is not ready to give up.
“PLEASE help me with money for my registration and accommodation.” These were the words from Mthetheleli Gwaza, a second year student at the Durban University Technology.
Despite achieving six distinctions and averaging 65 per cent in all of his subjects, the Public Relations and Communications student, has been stranded with no place to stay and no food to eat. Gwaza said his troubles began last year, after he could not secure funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), however because of his good marks he was allowed to continue with studies.
“My municipality in Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, settled my outstanding balance with the university. I tried to apply for funding last year but I was told that there were no more funds from NSFAS.”
“I was also told that there is no need for me to apply again, as I was already on the scheme’s database and because of my good marks I was likely to get funding without any problem. I could not even apply for bursaries because my results were withheld. I am confident that I will get the help I need and I will worker harder to achieve distinctions in all my subjects,” Gwaza said.
Gwaza, who is also an orphan, said even though he received a social grant, all of it went towards paying rent, and because he will be turning 21 this year, he no longer qualifies for it.
“Last year, I was fortunate because I had a savings account, which helped in paying my rent. Rent was R850 per month and my social grant was R700. I also did casual work at one of the retail stores, where I worked twice a month,” he said.
The student is currently living with friends and says despite the problems he is faced with now, he is not ready to give up and going back home is not an option.
“Going back home will not help me because I think that will only make my situation worse. I would rather look for employment here in town, so that I can be able to help my family back home,” he added.
Gwaza said, “It was always my dream to study Public Relations and Communications, as I love public speaking and I used to be part of the debate team back in high school.”
Before going to print, the Municipality of Qumbu in the Eastern Cape, contacted Gwaza and promised to resolve his problem. If you would like to assist, contact Mthetheleli Gwaza on 071 137 6540.
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