Protests over delayed NSFAS payments escalated into violence on Wednesday evening, resulting in extensive damage to the Northern Cape Urban TVET College's administrative offices in Long Street, Kimberley.
The unrest began as a peaceful student protest highlighting frustrations with ongoing delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) disbursements. Many students say they have been left stranded without funds to pay for rent, food, or tuition, severely affecting their ability to study.
However, the situation took a dangerous turn when protesters allegedly set fire to the college offices, causing major damage to the building. Eyewitnesses reported that passing vehicles were pelted with stones, prompting an emergency response.
Road Closures and Firefighting Efforts
Long Street was closed to traffic from around 6pm, with police and traffic services responding to the unrest. Stun grenades were used to disperse the crowds.
Emergency services, including the fire brigade, initially faced resistance from the protestors, who reportedly prevented firefighters from entering the scene. The fire was later extinguished successfully, but not before significant damage was caused.
Why Were Students Protesting?
The protest stems from ongoing delays in NSFAS allowance payments. According to students, the delayed funding has had a devastating impact on their academic progress and living conditions.
NSFAS previously acknowledged that it experienced “transitional challenges” when it moved away from using third-party payment partners in the 2024 academic year and reverted to managing direct payments internally in 2025. This shift has led to a complex reconciliation process, which is still ongoing.
The organisation moved away from the 'fintech providers' after protests from students over the additional fees that we charged when they accessed their allowances.
The Freedom Front Plus criticised the actions casting them as "yet another example of the ANC’s transformation policy achieving the exact opposite of its intended goal".
