Durban Students Protest Housing Crisis

Durban Students Protest Housing Crisis. Student protests at Thekwini TVET College Centec campus in Morningside have intensified as students demand immediate solutions to their accommodation crisis. Students have been protesting outside the campus for several days, refusing to return to lectures until the college administration addresses their grievances.

Students Demand Urgent Housing Solutions

Students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds often rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to cover their accommodation expenses. Numerous students, however, have been unable to secure or pay for their student residences due to delays and issues with funding allocations.

Second-year student Siphesihle Cele expressed frustration about the lack of funding. Since most of us come from financially disadvantaged families, we rely heavily on government social grants, Cele said. “I was shocked to hear that I won’t be funded this year.

Similar struggles were shared by Dineo Mofokeng, a first-year financial management student. As a recipient of her grandmother’s old-age grant, she was hopeful for NSFAS support. If the college doesn’t want me here, I have nowhere to go. I sometimes feel like going home, but I stay because I want to study,” said Mofokeng.

Living Conditions and Eviction Threats

Furthermore, students have expressed concern over their living conditions due to the uncertainty surrounding funding. As a result of delayed NSFAS payments, some tenants have been threatened with eviction by landlords, while others have already been evicted. Some students have sought shelter in nearby informal settlements, further aggravating their situation.

“Our living conditions are unbearable, but I will stay until the school management finds an amicable solution,” Mofokeng said.

College and Government Response

According to Nkosinathi Mchunu, the principal of Thekwini TVET College, protesting students should return to class while the administration works to resolve the matter. Mchunu referred inquiries about the students claims to the college main office, which has not yet responded.

In the meantime, Higher Education Department spokesperson, Lucky Masuku, acknowledged that there has been a misunderstanding about student funding. Before financial aid can be disbursed, the college must finalize the list of eligible students for NSFAS funding.

Growing Crisis in Higher Education

In South Africa, delays in NSFAS funding and inadequate student housing have hindered access to quality education, as reflected in the protest at Thekwini TVET College. In limbo, many students, particularly from underprivileged backgrounds, struggle to find alternative accommodations and support while waiting for financial assistance.

It remains to be seen how quickly the college and government authorities will respond to students’ demands for immediate intervention. Until then, students will continue to protest, calling for a fair and sustainable housing solution.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for better student accommodation facilities and efficient financial aid processing at Thekwini TVET College due to the ongoing student protests. Without immediate intervention, thousands of students risk being left without a place to stay, ultimately jeopardizing their academic careers.

For students to be able to pursue their education effectively, the college administration, NSFAS, and government authorities will need to act swiftly.