Waiting for loans

AS students we last year applied for NSFAS loans in time through our university. Up until now some students haven't heard any response from the NSFAS and the university says its hands are tied when it comes to that.

The normal registration period has lapsed, though it was extended till February 28 at NMMU. It was re-extended till March 7.

In this list of students who are still waiting, we have first years, second years and students who are supposed to be finishing their studies.

If you call the NSFAS call centre, you'll be told that applications are being processed, but until when? We are supposed to be studying, not waiting.

Is this the result of freedom that people have died for? Universities are closing registration and the NSFAS is until now still processing applications.

Before piloting this centralisation, did it look at its capacity to handle so many applications, feasibility and effects of this?

Is this helping or failing the poor student of South Africa? Are we expecting wise leaders for tomorrow if the system that is supposed to help them takes them to financial exclusion?

I wonder why it decided to choose these universities to pilot this system and what criteria it used for that.

Student, Port Elizabeth