SRC STATEMENT ON FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

28 JUNE 2021

THE ADMINISTRATION OF NSFAS

Institutions of Higher learning are a microcosm of society and as a result we are not
immune to the poor perfomace of our economy. The poor performance of our economy
and administration of NSFAS are the crisis we find ourselves in today. That is the
context in which we want to expose some of the bottlenecks caused by this external
forces. Lenin in his No Falsehood! Our Strength Lies in Stating the Truth! provides
that we must speak the truth: therein lies our strength. It is against this background
that we wishes to put things into clearer context for all students who are affected by
the poor administration of NSFAS.

We have 16 301 students who are beneficiaries of NSFAS who have already received
their allowances for 2021. This year the Appeals Committee received and
recommended 818 appeals to NSFAS. Out of the 818 appeals which were
recommended, 55 were approved but still haven't received their allowances while 114
were rejected without reasons. We are confronted with cases where the students'
funding for 2021 has not yet been finalized by NSFAS. The SRC remains at the center
of putting maximum pressure on Financial Aid and NSFAS to resolve all the appeals
lodged by students of Nelson Mandela University.

AGRICULTURE AND RADIOGRAPHY STUDENTS - 2021 FUNDING

At the beginning of the year NSFAS reported that the above two (2) qualification were
not funded for 2021. The SRC made submissions and after several engagements, the
issue was resolved that the qualifications will be funded for 2021.

We have submitted 24 Radiography and 67 Agriculture students' names to NSFAS

during our visit to NSFAS Headquarters, and weeks later 23/24 Radiography and
20/67 Agriculture students were approved for 2021 Funding by NSFAS and their
names appeared on the 2021 Funded list and subsequent to that these students
received their allowances. 47 Agriculture students are still under NSFAS review.

CONCURRENT REGISTRATION (HC - MAINSTREAM)

During our visit to NSFAS Headquarters, we submitted a list of students who are
affected by Concurrent Registration, 32 students were referred to NSFAS review
which an outcome has not been provided. We are still in constant engagements with
NSFAS to get this matter resolved as soon as possible, as it is negatively affecting the
students we seek to represent. This matter is in the final stages.

The Student Representative Council remains committed at the service of all students
and notes the call by students who registered through concurrence to revisit NSFAS
Headquarters and will advise accordingly should the issue not be resolved by the end
of this week.

ON ACCOMMODATION

Staying in quality student accommodation that provides the right amenities and a safe
and secure environment is of great importance to be successful in your studies. To
succeed in your studies you need accommodation that provides an environment
conducive to studying. It is against this background that the SRC made a plea to the
university management to reconsider and allow students to make inter residence
transfers. Students who wishes to make residence changes will be allowed to do so
at the end of the first semester.

ON ONE MEAL A DAY

Due to financial difficulties a number of students find themselves struggling to get basic
needs like food, sanitary towels and toiletries. Our response to this crisis will include
the provision of one meal a day and sanitary towels from the first week of July 2021.

In order to manage the workload SRC members are divided into different forums. We
encourage students to contact relevant SRC members for prompt responses. You may
only contact the SRC President when the relevant SRC is not reachable. The
President will then advise you on who to contact.

Kindly liase with the following SRC members as per their respective forums:

A) FINANCIAL AID FORUM

1. Ngcaliyethu Dingani - 064 038 6666

2. Siyamdumisa Vena - 083 423 6063
3. Chumokuhle Vukubi - 061 186 7324
4. Zukisa Sixogo - 078 075 3493
5. Omelele Lumko - 074 459 8818
6. Yonwaba Ranana - 078 324 4120
7. Ibanathi Hector - 060 492 9163
8. Zuko Lugalo - 065 816 6251
9. Thando Khanya - 073 175 0447

B) STUDENT ACCOUNTS FORUM

1. Luphelele Mabija - 067 297 8986

2. Nomphiliso Sinqa - 073 340 8624
3. Siyabonga Gabuza - 063 509 0979
4. Sandile Tsatsa - 073 639 9617
5. Siwanikiwe Fanele - 078 233 5222
6. Alfred Adjei - 083 571 9686

C) ACCOMMODATION FORUM

1. Sive Matholengwe - 081 833 5326

2. Axole Xotyeni - 083 424 1339
3. Akhona Bekeka - 064 017 8016
4. Siyanda Celani - 074 860 0653
5. Nelson Mohale - 083 650 3904
6. Lethani Mthembu - 081 760 9031
7.Thandokazi Nogawu - 062 258 0209
8. Olwethu Nontonga - 078 810 8016
9.Dibuseng Nkomo - 073 667 1760
10.Asanda Ntsomi - 074 774 2952 (George)
11. Asekho Toto - 067 047 3942 (George)

D) FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE

1. Thabang Mahlaole - 084 872 6678 (Faculty of Law)

2. Konke Mbuli - 074 741 6435 (Faculty of Business and Business and
Economic Sciences)
3. Lwandile Dlamini - 062 083 3252 (Faculty of Health Sciences
Representatives)
4. Nkqubela Chithelo - 063 593 5559 (Faculty of Education)
5. Aphelele Ngalimane - 062 004 0040 (Faculty of Humanities)
6. Vuyolwethu Tapolisi - 061 609 2512(Faculty of Science)
7. Aphelele Cengimbo - 074 212 3775 (Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment
and Technology)

In conclusion we encourage all students to adhere to Covid-19 regulations to save

lives by keeping safe social distance, wearing masks and sanitize regularly.

Ends…

Issued by:
Pontsho Hlongwane
SRC President