Protesting students have disrupted the start of the academic year at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, over ongoing issues with financial aid clearance, registration for classes, and accommodation delays. On the first day of classes, the students blocked the road leading to the South Campus, using burning tyres and debris to prevent access to the area.
The protests stem from the frustrations of students who have faced long delays in receiving financial aid clearance, which has also impacted their ability to register for classes and secure accommodation on campus. These issues have left many students in limbo as the new academic year begins, with some struggling to receive their allowances and unable to find a place to stay.
Lathitha Mbuzwana, the president of the Student Representative Council (SRC), voiced the concerns of the protesters, emphasizing that the students had exhausted all possible avenues for engagement with the university’s management. “We want them to clear students, respond to concessions, fast-track the appeals for concessions to ensure that deserving students receive allowances, and provide accommodation so that the academic year can commence,” said Mbuzwana.
The SRC has been pushing for urgent action to address the financial aid and registration delays, which have impacted many students who rely on these processes to be able to attend university. Mbuzwana further emphasized the importance of resolving the issue quickly to ensure students have the necessary resources to start their academic year on the right foot.
In addition to the delays in financial aid and registration, the accommodation issue has also caused considerable concern. Many students are left without housing options as they wait for their registration and financial aid issues to be resolved. This has caused stress and uncertainty for students who rely on on-campus housing to attend their studies. The university has yet to comment on the situation, and it remains unclear when these issues will be addressed or resolved.
The disruption on the first day of classes highlights the urgent need for the university to address the concerns raised by students to ensure the smooth start of the academic year.
