Written by: Shanice Pillay

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme CEO, Steven Zwane, has urged students to register for the 2018 academic year and not wait for communication from the scheme confirming their funding.

The announcement comes as students at the Durban University of Technology are frustrated with the registration administration following staff strike that has been going on for four weeks.

Zwane says NSFAS is working on resolving issues around the fee-free education.

“We have received an influx of applications this year, however, applicants need to meet a criteria to be considered,” says Zwane.

President of the Student Representative Council at DUT, Siphephelo Mthembu, says they have consulted with the institution to allow registration for students waiting for NSFAS reply.

They have also asked that students who are beneficiaries of the South African Social Security Agency be allowed to register while waiting to sort out their paperwork.

Students at the university have had administrative problems as workers in different departments, including academics, downed tools last month after labour unions and the university management reached a deadlock in their negotiations for salary increase and other benefits.

DUT reported to have registered more than 18 000 students already. The executive committee of senate has decided that the university starts lectures on Tuesday, February 13.

Caption: DUT SRC President, Siphephelo Mthembu.

Picture credit: Facebook