Buti Manamela /NSFAS/ DHET

: Staying far from home in a province where we have no family financial support, we  relied heavily on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to fund our studies. Many students like me, with no strong financial background, are finding themselves in dire situations. With the NSFAS portal currently closed, universities are unable to submit registration templates, leaving us vulnerable to evictions as landlords show no leniency in waiting for delayed payments. Without the necessary funds, we are left stranded, struggling to make ends meet and unable to focus on our academics, which in turn affects our performance and futures.

The closure of the portal by NSFAS at such a critical time has deep repercussions, not only for universities but also for the students who depend on this aid as their lifeline. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Landlords are knocking on our doors, and students are at risk of homelessness and hunger.

Re-opening the NSFAS portal by the end of September is not just an administrative task – it is a lifeline for thousands who are on the brink of losing everything they’ve worked so hard to achieve. This action is crucial for students who are left with minimal options, forced to confront financial stressors that hinder their ability to succeed academically.

Concrete steps must be taken. We urge the NSFAS to re-open the portal immediately, allowing universities to submit the necessary registration templates. This simple act will enable the release of funds to students in need, alleviating financial pressures and consequently enabling us to focus on what truly matters – our education.

Sign this petition to demand immediate action in reopening the NSFAS portal and support the academic endeavors of struggling students across the nation. Your signature is a step towards ensuring that financial aid is made promptly available to those who need it the most.

#MKSM / #Gwaza MkhontoGwaza #Blackchildstudent #myNSFAS @dstigovza #NSW2025 #university we are hungry