Following a recent protest at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, visited the institution as part of her national roadshow to assess the readiness of higher learning institutions.
The PE Express previously reported that students protested on the first day of the academic year due to issues related to financial aid, accommodation, registration, and shuttle services.
The minister’s visit provided a crucial platform for students and University Management to discuss ongoing challenges and initiatives.
Nkabane also praised NMU’s state-of-the-art Science Centre, student housing strategies, and strategic partnerships with institutions like the South African International Maritime Institute. However, she also addressed challenges, including the increasing gap between applications and available capacity, accommodation shortages, and student financial aid concerns.
Highlighting the issue of application fees, Dr. Nkabane criticised universities that charge students despite limited capacity. She stressed the need for a centralised system and collective efforts with Universities in South Africa, to address this.
In a statement, NMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sibongile Muthwa, was commended by the Minister for NMU’s policy of not charging application fees. Nkabane engaged with students and the Student Representative Council (SRC) to discuss pressing issues such as accommodation and NSFAS-related concerns.
The Minister committed to deploying a departmental delegation to address outstanding student access and funding issues over a week. The SRC shared their initiatives, like launching a fund to help students with debt, and made a plea for donations.
SRC Secretary-General, Buhle Mchunu raised concerns over NSFAS defunding students mid-year, leading to payment issues and potential evictions from accommodation.
In response, Nkabane emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to addressing governance issues, noting the appointment of a new NSFAS Board.
Professor Muthwa expressed gratitude for the Minister’s visit and reinforced the importance of collaboration in resolving challenges.
“We have pointed out that none of these problems can be solved without collaboration among all of us. Fortunately, our University has a strong culture of engagement with our students,” she said.
The visit highlighted both the challenges faced by NMU, and the proactive steps being taken to ensure student success through cooperative efforts among the University, the government, and student bodies.
In a separate statement, Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamelahe, said the exploitation of vulnerable students by landlords is deplorable and deeply worrying. This followed shocking reports that some landlords demand sexual favours from students in exchange for accommodation.
“I welcome the strong statement by NSFAS condemning these actions and the decisive steps to investigate, blacklist, and terminate the services of any implicated landlords,” Manamela said.
He further emphasised the need for greater accountability and oversight in student accommodation.
“Institutions, accommodation provider associations, NSFAS, and our department must work together to ensure that students are housed in safe, dignified environments, free from exploitation and abuse.”
Manamela urged affected students to report cases of exploitation immediately to their institutions, NSFAS, and law enforcement. “We will not tolerate anyone who preys on students,” he said.While the reports of landlord abuse are disturbing, Manamela also acknowledged that the overall student registration process for 2025 has been largely smooth, with minor glitches that are being attended to.
The newly appointed NSFAS Board members are:Board Chairperson
- Dr Karen Stander
Education.Board Members:
- Ndileka Portia Loyilane – Board Member (Public Administration)
- Adv. Richardt Tlou Ramashia – Board Member (Legal)
- Adv. Lavandran Nanda Gopaul – Board Member (Legal)
- Philisiwe Sibiya – Member (Accounting, CA(SA))
- Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson: Member – Accounting (CA SA)
- Prashika Mahesh: Member – Accounting (CA SA)
- Dr Siyanda Mngadi: Member – Governance. Karabo Mohale: Member – Governance
- Dr Johanna Maphutha: Member – Education
- Dr Mugwena Maluleke: Member – Education
- Dr Marcia Socikwa: Member – DDG: University Education (DHET Representative)
