@VarsityNews |28 March 2017|V76 E1|Page 2
NEWS
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The NSFAS’ administrative failures are undermining the scheme’s aim to empower poor and working class youth through the gift of education. However, Students are objecting to the high Expected Family Contribution (EFC) amounts allocated by NSFAS. EFCs are calculated based on the family’s annual income. The student’s family is expected to contribute the calculated amount by a stipulated date. However, many students find themselves on the verge of financial exclusion due to their families not being able raise funds for the EFC. Being o�ered financial assistance does not prevent students from being filtered out. Whilst NSFAS helps many financially limited students
access what would otherwise be an inaccessible tertiary education, the funding scheme does not, by any means, eliminate the elements of exclusivity and financial status that are linked to academic success.
NSFAS helps many financially limited students access what would otherwise be an inaccessible tertiary education The late pay out of textbook allowances is another source of conflict. A textbook costs on average between R400 to R1000. Having to wait well after lectures start for NSFAS to pay out book allowances,
In this Issue many students face starting the academic year with uncertainty and fears of falling behind. Kaya has been going through a family medical crisis which resulted in her family having to use the little money they had to pay hospital bills and could not pay her 2016 EFC. The student explains “the money that the family earns does not just go towards me but also, goes to the other members in the family, and to household necessities such as food, clothes and water.” A Financial Aid o�cial is quoted as saying “students need to read what is sent to them. Read the announcements, read all the emails. Be sure about everything. People can make mistakes, but what NSFAS writes and sends out will not misinform students.”
First years lose sleep over residence crisis
UCT’s accommodation crisis hits hard for many first years by Thandizo Chigona
C
haos has engulfed the university community in the wake of the accommodation crisis. The situation has struck hard with several first years not being allocated a place in residence. The announcement came at extremely short notice for these out-of-town students, leaving most in a state of confusion and uncertainty about their future at UCT as the first days of the academic year loomed closer.
Leaving most in a state of confusion and uncertainty about their future at UCT Earlier this year, the university spokesperson stated that the university only held a capacity to house 6 700 students and was in need of an extra 2 000 beds. “We are also aware that many students who are on the waiting list may be making alternative housing arrangements‚” the o�ce claimed in an interview with Business Day newspaper earlier this year.
Right: Accomodation uncertainty can be a costly excercise Image : Cara Spall
The university has attempted to address the shortfall by appealing to Southern Suburbs residents - particularly those living between Claremont and Observatory - to open their doors to these students. However, the university has not specified how long exactly they expect those o�ering their rooms to host students. The university further requested that those willing to accommodate students keep rates to what it considers reasonable (from between R3 000 to R4 000) and waiver any deposits. This may come as little to no relief to those currently on NSFAS as it is likely their funding will not cover for such accommodation. It should also be considered that such students already bear the burden of other vital expenses such as food which may not be covered by financial aids if they are in alternative accommodation. Many students feel that this crisis is mainly due to UCT’s poor organisation. Some currently living in
residence claim that there are a few open spaces left in their residences. Although these may not be near to what is required to resolve the housing crisis, it would do well to alleviate
Many students feel that this crisis is mainly due to UCT’s poor organisation the plight of a few. Another concern is that local residents who have no issue commuting to and from campus have been granted places over those more deserving of accommodation. Those that have been considered more needing are students currently on financial aids or from outside of Cape Town. At the same time, opposing voices have expressed that students must not be under the illusion that their places in residence are necessarily set in stone and that the university holds the right to waiver its o�er to an individual.
Spur, people with a taste for racism
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Anti-Semitism,anti-choice and anarchy at Plaza Week
Should work produced by black people be enjoyed by white people? Is it inlinewithourdemocratic society?
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centrespread
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Are you new in Cape Town and in need of a safe and affordable way to explore the Mother City?
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The First Year Experience
Extra-stress away!
The Back Page
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ICTS laptop Relief
Catherine Heron
U
CT’s Information and Communication Technology Services have stunned the community by providing 800 first years with free laptops. The project, initiated in 2013, aimed to help new students embrace technology and encourage innovative solutions for projects. As South Africa increases
Laptops are a vital part in connecting students to necessary information its online connectivity with fibre optic being rolled out, laptops are a vital part in connecting students to necessary information. Many students cannot afford laptops and are often restricted to the computer labs dotted around campus.
What this initiative does is allow students greater working flexibility. With essential software programs already installed, the first years were taught how to protect their laptops with strong passwords and safety tips. The Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Fund largely funded the project with the hopes of building “graduate attributes” in students. Many students often feel out of place in lectures when some of their peers have the newest MacBook or iPad to take notes on but now they are able to fit in. The issue of being left behind academically because of one’s finances is one being tackled by this project which allows for students to be able to work on their own terms. It was a vital issue in last year’s blended learning attempts where many students were simply not able to work due to a lack of technology and Wi-Fi.