Student unrest at DUT over delayed NSFAS allowances

THE Durban University of Technology SRC has condemned recent violence during protests over delayed National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances. 

In the statement, signed by SRC president Sihle Nkosi and SRC secretary Samkelo Ngubo, the SRC addressed developments around NSFAS learning material and living allowances, and the two-day unrest in Durban and Midlands campuses. 

“At the outset, the SRC strongly condemns gratuitous acts of violence in the process of any protest perpetrated by any actor, including those observed in various videos that are circulating on social media. We should do better even when at our worst point of disagreement,” the SRC said. 

In one of the videos, security is seen removing students from campus. 

According to one social media user, learning has stopped because thousands of students have not received their allowances, yet they are expected to write exams. Another one said there is no clear reason why students have not been paid. 

The SRC said it recognises its constituents’ heavy dependence on NSFAS allowances and is treating the matter as urgent.

It said that after a series of correspondence with Finance and Financial Aid units over the disbursement of allowances, it convened a physical meeting with both units to deliberate on allowances. The two meetings were convened on Wednesday at the Steve Biko and ML Sultan campuses.

In the two separate meetings, the SRC learned that: 

• 19,929 students were recommended for the book allowance in the last batch of allowances, which was released last Friday, while 25,048 students were recommended for the March meal allowance. 
• Finance is submitting an additional 4,569 templates, following the 20,318 students uploaded previously.
• Templates were to be submitted in two batches: the first at 12, the second after. The NSFAS system provides immediate reports on accepted/rejected templates.
• Of the 4,569, those whose templates were approved by the NSFAS portal and have their banking details updated will be paid before the end of the week. The SRC engaged Finance and Financial Aid to prioritise the payment of student allowances by the close of business on Thursday, with Friday designated as allowance day for any students who might not receive their payment on Thursday.
• Students who were paid only one meal allowance instead of two will receive their payment in the current batch.
• Over 200 students have not submitted their banking details. The SRC requested that Finance contact the students to expedite allowance disbursement.

“The SRC is equally aware of the cries of some students who indicate that they have been updating their banking details but have not been paid any allowance,” the SRC said.

It has engaged with the Finance Unit to deploy staff members who will be exclusively assisting students to update their banking details on campus.

Moreover, the SRC requested an Account Verification Services (AVS) report from the Finance Unit listing students who failed bank verifications and the reasons. This report will help the SRC identify these students, communicate the reasons for failure, and provide necessary assistance.

Meanwhile, in a notice on Tuesday, DUT Financial Aid said: “The Financial Aid and Finance units are currently processing outstanding March 2026 living and learning material allowances, which are expected to be completed before the end of this week.” 

Students were urged to ensure that their banking details are correct and up to date, especially their surname, account number, and branch code. 

“Failure to provide accurate details may result in delays.” 

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