Author: Aphelele Mbokotho and Iviwe Mzandisi
Buti Manamela and Minister Blade Nzimande at a media briefing on the state of readiness for the 2024 Academic Year on 23 January 2024 in Pretoria. NSFAS beneficiaries claim that the entity has left them in debt, defunded them without explanation, and left them to suffer. (Gallo Images/Lefty Shivambu) University students across South Africa are facing mounting debt despite receiving 100% bursaries from NSFAS. As fees rise and interest accumulates, students are struggling to complete their studies and some are left homeless. Sbongile Molambo, owing R92,000 to Wits University for her BA, is just one example of the many students…