Pretoria - Amid the nearly week-long shutdown of the Tshwane University of Technology’s (TUT) Soshanguve North and South campuses, students are irked by the time they are forced to spend idling.
Last week, students closed down the two campuses because of inadequate National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding and a shortage of residences, leaving many in limbo regarding the commencement of the academic year.
Nolwazi Mthembu, a second year IT student said despite the seemingly honourable deed being undertaken by the student representative council, those not benefiting from NSFAS had been inconvenienced by the shutdown.
“I too am using NSFAS and received a text message saying that they cannot pay for my studies this year. I don’t have a choice but to join in the protest. But I feel sorry for students who should not be affected by what is happening,” she said.
On Tuesday, students marched from the south to the north campus to demand a response from management regarding the funding shortage, but were left angry because there was no one to accept their memorandum.
On Monday, TUT advised staff members not to report for work because their safety could not be guaranteed.
Sthembiso Ndlovu, the provincial SA Student Congress deputy chairman, said they remained unfazed by the lack of communication and the shutdown would take as long as it needed.
“We will continue until they talk to us and tell us what’s happening.
“Management spoke to the Soshanguve SRC president, deputy president and the secretary and asked them to convince students to bring an end to the protest on Monday. But Sasco said they could not betray the struggle of the disadvantaged by calling the protest off without a resolution,” Ndlovu said.
TUT management and the SRC leadership were to meet on Tuesday in search of a solution.
Pretoria News