Frustrated students at the Central University of Technology have threatened protest action after not receiving their allowances for July from the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Some of the students said that they had been evicted from their accommodation residences as a result of late payments from the previous months.
In addition to struggling for necessities such as food, transport, and accommodation allowances, The students also said that they were worried that they may face academic exclusion if their situation is not addressed.
Students told SABC News:
We’re frustrated. We don’t have money to pay rent, no money for food and now we are going towards exams. We’re really frustrated so we need clarity.
In response, the institution issued a statement in which it says that the students were not being entirely honest in their allegations, adding that although there have been issues with students providing their bank details, payments have been ongoing since 2 July.
The Central University of Technology, Free State has noted with dismay the slew of false information being peddled to the public by some students. To date 10 306 students’ allowances were paid through FUNDI. 789 students have problems with their bank accounts, while 702 students have no banking details on the FUNDI system.
"Payment of student allowances has been taking place from Friday, 2 July 2021, the information of 3 693 students has been finalized, and they started receiving their money from Saturday, 3 July 2021 until Monday, 5 July 2021," reads the statement.
The university added that it has been paying for NSFAS allowances from its own funds and that it has been doing its part to ensure that the academic year is not disrupted due to the financial situations of students.
#CUTInform - CUT has noted with dismay the slew of false information being peddled to the public. 10 306 students’ allowances were paid through FUNDI.789 students have bank account issues,702 students have no banking details.#AllowancesCUT
Read statement, https://t.co/dua08jl11A— CUTFreeState (@cutfsonline) July 5, 2021
The university has since resolved to suspend all academic activities from Wednesday until next week Friday.
