By Keamogetswe Masike
President of SANDF South African Students Federation
The South African Students Federation (SASF) welcomes the removal of Minister Nobuhle Nkabane as the Minister of Higher Education and Training.
This development is a direct result of the sustained pressure and advocacy efforts by SASF, highlighting the Minister’s incompetence in addressing the NSFAS crisis, accommodation issues, appeals backlog, and numerous other challenges confronting students.
For far too long, SASF has engaged the Ministry of Higher Education and Training on the failures of Minister Nkabane’s leadership, and it is gratifying to see that our efforts have borne fruit.
However, we caution that the battle is far from won. The Ministry still faces numerous unresolved issues that require urgent attention and resolution.
To the incoming Minister, we emphasize that SASF will not remain silent on issues affecting students.
We expect a new Minister who understands the importance of stakeholder engagement and is willing to work collaboratively with student organizations to find solutions to the challenges facing the higher education sector.
As we celebrate this victory, we reiterate our commitment to fighting for the rights of students.
SASF has won a significant battle, but the war for quality, accessible, and inclusive education is far from over.
We will continue to mobilize, advocate, and push for systemic changes that benefit students.
To the new Minister, we say:
we are ready to engage, we are ready to collaborate, but we will not hesitate to hold you accountable for any failures or shortcomings.
The expectations are high, and we expect tangible results.
SASF CALLS ON THE NEW MINISTER TO:
-Prioritize the resolution of the NSFAS crisis and ensure timely disbursement of funds to students
-Address the accommodation crisis and ensure that students have access to safe and affordable accommodation
-Streamline the appeals process and ensure that students receive fair and timely consideration
-Engage with student organizations and other stakeholders to find solutions to the challenges facing the higher education sector
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