What’s happening at South African universities? No images? Click here Hello The 2021 academic year has not even started yet at many institutions and already there are many issues affecting students. At Wits University, from the beginning of March different student organisations have been raising the issue of registration fees. In a memorandum of demands prepared by the student organisations, they have called on the university to allow all students to register regardless of student debt. They also want the university to pressurise the government to deal with student debt. On Tuesday, things escalated at the protests with the police using rubber bullets to disperse students blocking the entrances of the campus. Just the day before the minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande announced that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was facing a shortfall and might not be able to fund first year students. Nzimande said a combination of budget cuts, the failing economy and the pandemic are the biggest reasons. During the 2021 budget speech, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni announced that there would be major cuts to public spending which includes education. The speech's policies might not have come into effect yet but when the policies do it is only going to worsen an already dire situation. Till next week, If you have any urgent questions related to NSFAS or to universities, we’ve answered them below.However, if you have a question that we have not answered, let us know and we will try to find you an answer. Email fatima@thedailyvox.co.za. NEWS FROM CAMPUSES:Fatima Finds:It's been on my watchlist on YouTube for awhile so I though I'd share this interview between Parasite director Bong Joon Ho and Lee Isaac Chung, the director of Minari. Bong Joon Ho made history with his movie which looked at capitalism in Korea while Lee Isaac Chung's Minari which is making waves - looks at the Korean immigrant experience in America. It's a really fascinating and great conversation between the directors. Check it out here. Tweet me @fatimamoosa17 using the hashtag #FatimaFinds if you have something interesting you'd like me to profile. |