As many of the country's recently matriculated and returning students get ready for the tertiary institution academic year, there are still a few concerns circulating.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) feels that while majority of the country's institutions of higher learning are adequately prepared for 2023, the late release of the 2022 matric results has delayed the commencement of registration across various institutions.
"Based on various engagements the Union has had with various stakeholders across the sector, we believe that the university sector is largely ready to tackle this year’s registration period with little hassle. We are, however, concerned and bemoan the late release of the NSC matric results by the Department of Basic Education," reads the Union's statement.
The results were released on 20 January, 2023; with the matric results being released later than usual, many have questioned the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) readiness for the intake of new students, and whether it would affect student’s ability to receive funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas).
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Blade Nzimande, has expressed confidence that the late release of the matric results won’t impact students and/or universities and colleges.
Despite SAUS' dissatisfaction with the late release of the matric results, the Union feels that the higher education sector is ready for the new year. But, the union has also criticized the delay in funding decisions made by Nsfas for both first-time students, and those returning.
"We have no reason to believe that any university shouldn’t be able to carry out their respective registration obligations. We must, however, also condemn the very late release of funding decisions by Nsfas for both first-time entering students and returning students," stated the Union.
The Union has applauded Nsfas and the DHET's swift responses and efforts to distributing funds for students that are beneficiaries of Sassa, but has also warned that any more delays will prompt the group to take "necessary action".
"We must make it clear, that any delays of funding decisions post the 6th of February will be deemed as an insult and a deliberate frustration of the registration period and will in turn be met with the necessary actions."
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) funds students who are pursuing their studies in South African public universities and Colleges. In addition to funding, students also receive allowances.
