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NSRC appeals to Unisa community to support students in need
Student debt is increasing rapidly, leaving many students unable to pay their tuition fees. As a result, they are stuck in the student system for longer periods, unable to graduate and enter the workforce. The Unisa National Students Representative Council (NSRC) is urging the Unisa community to support their campaign to raise funds to address the growing student debt at the university.
The NSRC recently conducted a Giving Week campaign at the Florida, Sunnyside, Nelspruit, Polokwane and Durban regional offices. Giving Week is part of the student debt campaign where contributions are collected for the existing student debt, especially for students who are in their final years of study and are faced with the possibility of not being able to graduate in 2025.
Nokuthula Mathonsi, NSRC Treasurer General, encouraging Unisa staff to donate towards student debt at the Sunnyside Campus.
Through this campaign, the NSRC, the Unisa Foundation and Unisa Radio set up stalls to encourage staff members to donate using the online platform and by also making use of pledge forms for deductions from their salaries, which would be over a specified period and would be based on the employee's consent.
Since 2022, the NSRC and the various role players within the university have been implementing measures to address the issue through various donation initiatives involving staff, students and alumni.
Shatadi Phoshoko, the former Secretary General of Unisa NSRC, uses the QR code to donate.
The NSRC and the Unisa Student Affairs Department have been integral in addressing student debt. Mogau Malatjie said the Dean of Students' office was proud to support the NSRC's Giving Week campaign. "It recognises the profound impact financial burdens have on students' academic success and well-being," he explained.
Rose Modjadji, filling out a pledge form.
Nokuthula Mathonsi, Treasurer General of the NSRC, stated that the Student Debt Relief campaign represented a beacon of hope for countless students burdened by historical debts, striving to complete their studies and achieve their academic goals. "This initiative aims not only to alleviate financial stress but also to foster equal opportunities in education by clearing debts that have long hindered students' progress."
The Giving Week campaign has raised an estimated R24 500 in pledges and R4 300 in online payments.
You can still donate towards student bursaries. Payment is quick, safe, and easy. Pay using our online payment platform at: https://unisa.devman.co.za/advancement/debtrelief/giving/
*By Busisiwe Mahlangu, Communications Coordinator, Unisa Foundation and Alumni Relations.
*Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Services
Publish date: 2024/07/31
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