Wits denies turning away students over Nsfas debts

Wits University has denied turning back returning students as reported by a “large” number of its students, saying it has provisions for everyone to register regardless of whether or not they are owing in unpaid fees.

This comes after a number of students who spoke to The Citizen said the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) had failed to settle their outstanding fees at the institution last year, resulting in them being told they could not register to continue studying this year.

This week EFF Students Command leader at Wits, Kamohelo Chauke, said that more students approached his organisation with similar complaints of returning students who were unable to register as a result of Nsfas having failed to pay the university.

Nsfas spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo said the refusal of the scheme-approved students was against government policy and their long-standing agreement meant that their students were not required to pay registration fees – as this was part of the students’ bursary.

“In January of every academic year, Nsfas makes upfront payments to universities and colleges which amount to at least 13% of the provisional allocation of the year,” said Mamabolo. “This upfront payment covers student registration fees, books and other essential allowances.”

Wits spokesperson Buhle Zuma said she was baffled by the “student refusal” claims because there were provisions for all students, including those owing, to register and that students were informed about this.

“It is not true that the university is refusing to register Nsfas students,” Zuma said. “Students who are fully funded by Nsfas are registering and have to provide proof that they have been granted funding by the scheme. The university abides by all Nsfas rules and directives from the DoHET [department of higher education and training].

“Where a student has outstanding fees not covered by Nsfas, the student has to sign an acknowledgement of debt (AOD) form after consulting the Wits fees office,” she added.

“The university has since 2016 made concessions that allow students with outstanding fees to register provided that the student signs the acknowledgement of debt. Students can register once they have signed the form.”

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