UL suspends academic activities

The University of Limpopo on Tuesday suspended academic activities on its Turfloop campus as a result of protest action by students making use of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The protesting students were apparently angered by an alleged directive issued by UL Management that meal, travel and accommodation allowances be split. It is also alleged that some students are enjoying full NSFAS benefits while others have limited options.
A statement issued by the UL quoted Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Mahlo Mokgalong to have said Management had observed with great concern the disruption of administrative activities of the institution on Monday. “It was brought to the attention of Management that students were dissatisfied with matters related to the use of the NSFAS Eduextra card (Wizit),” the statement read.
“In the light of the above, Management has decided that the academic programme of the University be suspended from 1 August to 2 August in order to resolve the above-mentioned challenge as speedily as possible. Management will be engaging with the Student Representative Council (SRC) henceforth. Management strongly urges students to desist from intimidating members of staff and other students during this period, as every effort is being made to urgently resolve the issue.”
NSFAS is the Government student bursary and loan scheme that receives its funding budget from and reports to the Department of Higher Education and Training. The scheme was established in terms of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act 56 of 1999. It provides financial assistance in the form of bursaries and loans to eligible students at public universities and technical and vocational education and training colleges in South Africa.
It also administers such bursaries and loans, and recovers the loans from students once they have graduated and are employed. NSFAS also raises funds in order to increase the funding pool for student bursaries and loans.
At the time of going to press the SRC could not be reached for comment.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert.observer@gmail.com