[ad_1]
Students protesting at Wits University. Student leaders are reported to have protested registration issues.
Fani Mahunts, Gallo Images
- Acting Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka, is ready to step into funding challenges by visiting various institutions of higher education.
- His office says it will involve management, SRC and NSFAS, among other stakeholders, for the next five weeks.
- On Monday, a massive protest action was planned across the country as students from 26 universities aimed to delay the 2021 academic year.
The acting public protector, defender Kholeka Gcaleka, intends to visit up to six higher education institutions as part of an intervention on access to tertiary education.
“We are fully aware of the plight of poor students and the struggles they face in colleges across the country. In response, we intend to intervene to help alleviate the suffering of current and future students to access tertiary education, “he said. .
According to his office, Gcaleka will engage management, Student Representative Councils (SRC) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), among other stakeholders for the next five weeks.
SEE | Wit Shot: ‘I was panting’
He is expected to visit the campus of Tshwane University of Technology in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga; Orbit TVET College in Rustenburg, Northwest; Free State University in Mangaung; King Sabata Dalindyebo TVET College in Mthatha, Eastern Cape; and Unisa in Pretoria.
“In 2020, the Public Protector’s office received eight complaints about NSFAS,” said Public Protector spokesman Oupa Segalwe. “The complaints were related to inadequate assignments for study material, non-payment of living allowances and non-payment of tuition.”
Delay
On Monday, a massive protest action was planned across the country as students from 26 universities aimed to delay the 2021 academic year over stagnant fees.
There has been growing concern about the financial exclusion raised by the SRCs, who call for the immediate resignation of Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande. “The socioeconomic environment of many students in the country has a direct relationship with their ability to access tertiary education.” Gcaleka said.
He said that two challenges the country faced were the basic social justice problems of inequality and exclusion.
Gcaleka added that meaningful engagement with key stakeholders was necessary in order to collectively address student challenges and emerge with durable solutions.
