Nelson Mandela students vow to continue protesting until demands met

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Nelson Mandela University students have vowed to continue protesting until all their demands are met.

A  group of students blocked the entrances to the university this on Thursday, despite the university calling off lectures until next Monday due to an ongoing impasse on fees and accommodation.

Speaking to Algoa FM News Deputy Student Representative Council President, Zukile Ndzoyiya, described the issues as a “mix masala operation” of issues from the university administration to NSFAS.

He says the issues with the University are:

• Unfunded students who have been allowed to register with no accommodation
• Students who have funding with no accommodation
• Students who are registered with no accommodation
• Some students have accommodation but not have been registered
• Postgraduate students with no funding and or accommodation
• First-years who have not received book and meal allowances
• Distribution of half of the book allowances now and in March
• Changes of the criteria for fee concessions which allow for students with historical debt to register without paying fees.
• A R7100 registration fee for residences for students who have a historical debt
• Concession appeals are not being responded to in time

For NSFAS he says the issues are:

• NSFAS changing their criteria for funding saying that they have less than 60 credits- they will not be funded for tuition, not accommodation and meals.

Asked if he thought it was fair that the university takes on students without funding.

Ndzoyiya says: “Yes, especially when it comes to issues of unemployment.”

“One needs more than an undergraduate to get employment in this country.”

He has also called for a university to allow blended learning for those who want to study online to continue.

“The protest will go on until all students are registered until all students have a bed; until the ridiculous concession criteria is changed and until the concession appeals are responded to.”

Meanwhile, on Wednesday university spokesperson, Zandile Mbabela-Ngwendu said the Nelson Mandela University Executive Committee of Senate (ECS) had met to discuss several institutional issues, including a request from the SRC to postpone the commencement of lectures by two weeks.

She says the student leadership had requested to postpone the start of lectures to allow for time for the concerns raised by students to be discussed.

“[The] ECS approved a proposal for lectures to begin on Monday, February 27, 2023.”