University of the Western Cape law student, Onthatile Mathonsi started an online petition for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) to increase student allowances. To date, 56,358 individuals have signed the petition as they share the same sentiments.
At the moment, Nsfas-funded students receive a monthly living allowance of R1500, but are now calling for their allowances to be increased to R2000.
Nsfas Chief Operating Officer Nthuseng Mphahlele has since acknowledged this request, as allowances have remained the same for the past three years.
In a recently held information session, one of the government bursary scheme’s representatives said:
Nsfas is actively consulting with student leaders and other stakeholders about raising allowances.
Mathonsi has shared that her family depends on the Nsfas monthly allowances to survive.
According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity Group Index, the average household basket cost has increased by R586,39 in a period of 12 months.
"With our engagements with shareholders we would only be able to increase allowance to 5% maximum of inflation, based on the budget that is available and increase accommodation by 7% and capped at R45 000 per student per annum" explained Mphahlele.
What these stakeholders will agree on, will form part of the Nsfas funding policy for the 2023 academic year, which will be considered.
