Academic activities at the Tshwane University Technology (TUT) came to a halt yesterday after the TUT Student Representative Council (SRC) gave management 48 hours ultimatum to respond to student’s concerns raised in a memorandum.
Students are objecting to the new policy of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) that students residing off campus will not receive meal allowances. This new policy has angered the majority of the student as many of them do not afford rent money.
SRC secretary, Ntsako Motsenga said every registered student living off campus must get meal allowance just like they used to in previous years.
The SRC also want the Funza Lushaka bursary process to be fast-tracked so that students can go to classes knowing that they can be able to buy food and other necessities.
“Funza Lushaka must be fast-tracked because our students are hungry and they cannot go to class nor study on an empty stomach,” Mr Motsenga said.
Another challenge that TUT Soshanguve students are facing is accommodation. Most students are placed on the waiting list for residences on campus and they have not been responded to. The SRC want the management to also fix this issue because most students are awaiting their confirmation and acceptance letter from the student accommodation, residence and catering department.
In a short video by former SRC President Kevin Phehla, students are seen marching and singing at the back while speaks. Phehla also speaks about the issue of meal allowances for off-campus students.
The university issued an update on their website stating that all activities at TUT campuses remain suspended for Tuesday 05th March. The update sates that the safety of students, staff and TUT property remains a first priority and therefore the decision to suspend activities was taken.
The protest started during February in other TUT campuses excluding Soshanguve and Polokwane campuses.
