The lack of funding for tertiary-level education remains a critical issue in SA. While the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides access to higher education for students from poor and working-class families that would not otherwise be able to afford university fees, students who fall into the “missing middle” bracket still find it challenging to secure funds. 

SA’s unemployment rate is two times higher than its closest Brics counterpart, currently sitting at about 29%. ..