To the Management of the University of South Africa and the Administration of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme,

We, the undersigned students of the University of South Africa, submit this petition as a collective call for accountability, transparency, and urgent reform in how UNISA and NSFAS serve students.

UNISA is a fully online distance learning institution. For this reason, access to reliable internet data and adequate financial support is not optional. It is a basic requirement for learning. However, the current support provided to students does not reflect the realities we face and continues to disadvantage a large number of us.

Students are currently given 10GB anytime data and 20GB night owl data. This data structure does not align with how most students study. Many students rely on daytime access due to work commitments, family responsibilities, network limitations, or load shedding. Night owl data is therefore impractical and ineffective for meaningful academic participation.

The current NSFAS living allowance of R316 is also unreasonably low. This amount does not cover real student costs, particularly transportation. Many UNISA students choose or need to study at campuses or public study centres, and the allowance is too little to cover the cost of travelling to and from these facilities. This places students under constant financial pressure and directly affects academic performance.

These challenges are made worse by delayed allowance payments, poor communication, unresolved appeals, and ongoing administrative inefficiencies between UNISA and NSFAS. As a result, students miss assessments, fall behind academically, and experience unnecessary stress and uncertainty.

Many students have tried to resolve these issues individually through emails, calls, and appeals, but these efforts have not led to meaningful or lasting solutions. We are therefore compelled to act collectively.

We call on UNISA and NSFAS to implement the following changes without delay. Replace the current data model with 30GB anytime data for all registered UNISA students. Increase the NSFAS living allowance from R316 to R516 to better reflect basic student expenses, including transportation costs. Ensure that allowance payment dates are clearly communicated and consistently honoured. Improve communication channels so that student queries and appeals are handled promptly and transparently. Introduce accountability measures for administrative failures that negatively affect students. Strengthen policy coordination between UNISA and NSFAS to prevent recurring funding and data related problems.

This petition represents the unified voice of UNISA students. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fairness, dignity, and a system that enables students to succeed in an institution that depends entirely on online access and administrative efficiency.

Education should not be undermined by inadequate data provision or insufficient financial support.

Petition initiated by

S’phephelo Zwane

On behalf of UNISA students.