Surely these graduates are the future of our country? If they are still trying to pay off loans, how are they going to pay for a decent education for their own children?

What has happened to the idea of free education? Surely it should start with letting the first batches of post-apartheid graduates get free tertiary education? These men and women have worked really hard to get through university - even if they did not complete a degree. They must have some potential if they have jobs.

Have the powers that be no idea of how devastating it is for a student who has tried so hard and just cannot pass the exams? Perhaps they applied for the wrong course and have now managed to find a job at which they believe they can excel. Now they are getting a double whammy - by having a whole chunk of salary (which is likely to be small) removed by SARS.

How can there be economic freedom for youngsters when their parents had no money to fund their tertiary education, first-time jobs do not pay much and it will take years to pay off a student loan?

Hopefully this article has not told the whole story and reason will prevail. National Student Financial Aid Scheme and SARS, please treat these successful students fairly.

Perhaps community-type service is a good idea. Can they spend time helping schoolgoers with homework or assist with Saturday schools for matrics?