The resignation of Ernest Khosa as board chair of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) might give those who have been calling for his removal some sense of relief, but the underlying problems persist. Despite Khosa stepping down, the turmoil within NSFAS continues to haunt students across the country. Thousands of students who have yet to receive their NSFAS grants this month remain stranded.
In the past week alone, contrasting scenes have unfolded in our institutions of higher learning. While beautiful videos and pictures have been shared, showing hundreds of students graduating, just as many — if not more — took to the streets in protest. These protests were not merely expressions of discontent; they were cries for help from students who faced empty stomachs and eviction from their residences due to unpaid rent.
On Thursday, 31 years after the brutal murder of the SACP's general secretary, Chris Hani, minister of higher education, science and technology Blade Nzimande told a crowd gathered to commemorate Hani that the celebrated anti-apartheid activist hated corruption.
for the past few months, corruption and underhanded dealings have been occurring at NSFAS right under the nose of Nzimande.
He said Hani's hate for corruption, which leaves the poor destitute, mirrored that of the governing party.
“Comrade Chris hated corruption — and so does the ANC, by the way. We need to do all we can to ensure that, among other things, those who are implicated to have their hands dirty in the corporate capture of the state must be dealt with,” Nzimande said.
But, for the past few months, corruption and underhanded dealings have been occurring at NSFAS right under the nose of Nzimande.
The anniversary of Hani's passing is the perfect time for leaders such as Nzimande to question what Hani would have said about the sufferings of the youth under his watch.
Time and time again, Nzimande has held press conferences where the web of corruption at NSFAS and the contractors appointed to disperse money to students comes to light.
But pointing fingers and playing the blame game accomplishes nothing for the most underprivileged in our society who continue to fight and protest for what they were promised.
As the country approaches elections, the ANC has been quick to remind the people of its achievements, particularly in social grants and unemployment benefits. Yet it seems they have overlooked their promises to thousands of youth who are NSFAS beneficiaries who struggle month after month for the support they were assured.
The situation at universities reflects broader societal issues. Despite promises from the ANC government regarding basic necessities such as housing, sanitation and jobs, they have fallen short in nearly every aspect. While they may have mitigated load-shedding in recent weeks, this does little to redeem their standing with students.
In essence, there is little cause for celebration. Until meaningful action is taken to address the systemic failures within the organisation, the struggles of students will persist. It is time for accountability and real solutions, not just empty promises and political posturing.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.