By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – Tensions flared at the University of the Free State (UFS) Qwaqwa campus as students embark on the protest against the recent decision by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to reduce private accommodation funding.
The demonstrations action that started the week before escalated on Monday, 14 April, after students have been waiting for NSFAS to respond to why they have capped off-campus accommodation allowances at R25,000 — a sharp decrease from the R33,000 or more that had been allocated in previous years.
Nomvuyo Nungu, the Student Representative Council (SRC) President and a postgraduate student in Bachelor of Education Honours in Curriculum Studies, said the protests are a result of frustration over the lowered amount.
“Students are demonstrating because they are unhappy with the reduced accommodation allowance. The university management has submitted an appeal to NSFAS almost two weeks back, requesting a deviation from the R25,000 cap and proposing an amount that reflects students’ real needs. Many students are now unable to pay their landlords, and this amount also has to cover transport,” said Nungu.
The protest quickly escalated into violence when some demonstrators began breaking windows and doors, and vandalizing university property. The South African Police Service (SAPS) was called to the scene, and officers used teargas to disperse the crowd. Students fled in different directions to avoid arrest.
UFS Students, one holding bricks during a demonstration that quickly turned violent.
Campus Principal Prince Ngobeni confirmed the unrest and expressed concern over the funding cuts, assuring the university community that efforts are being made to resolve the matter.
“Staff should not panic over the disruptions. The issue is the R25,000 cap. We don’t know whether NSFAS will reconsider this amount, but I’ve asked the housing department to intervene. For now, we are avoiding conversations about accommodation options priced at R30,000 or more, even if they are provisionally accredited, just to manage the situation calmly,” Ngobeni stated.
He added that landlords charging above the NSFAS cap should not be considered for now.
“As a university, we want to ensure that any housing NSFAS approves is of a reasonable standard and price. Staff and students are encouraged to remain calm as we continue engaging NSFAS,” he said.
NSFAS has yet to respond publicly to the university’s proposal or the student protests. Meanwhile, academic activities at the QwaQwa campus have been temporarily suspended due to safety concerns.
Authorities have called for calm and are urging students to allow the negotiation process to unfold peacefully.
