It is heartbreaking to witness systemic failures holding back the potential of disadvantaged communities at South African universities—particularly those that are wholly or partly managed by previously disadvantaged Vice-Chancellors and Executive Management Committees. Given South Africa’s history of Bantu Education and Separate Development under Hendrik Verwoerd, more is expected from Black university management and the ANC government. These leaders are expected to be champions of a just and equitable society. Unfortunately, the opposite appears to be true—or at least, that is the growing perception.
The struggles faced by poor Black children in South Africa are further exacerbated by poor governance and university management, coupled with inadequate leadership and corruption within organisations such as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS was established to provide essential support to disadvantaged students, yet it has become synonymous with inefficiency and corruption—infamously likened to a Communist-style centralist institution under Blade Nzimande’s leadership.
This flawed system has had a devastating and lasting impact on Black students. Each year, NSFAS mismanages or delays funding, leaving students stranded without the resources they need to succeed. These failures by NSFAS, the government, and university management perpetuate injustice, deepen poverty, and widen inequality.
Do NSFAS, the government, and university leaders truly grasp that their ineptitude leads to wasted Black talent and entrenched systemic failure? Poor Black children already face overwhelming challenges, from limited access to quality education and healthcare to systemic racism and economic exclusion. The result is a vicious cycle of poverty and inequality.
It is imperative that the government, NSFAS, and universities take active steps to break this cycle. We must confront and address the root causes of these failures—by holding leaders accountable, fostering transparency, and promoting good governance. There must be a deliberate investment in programs that uplift disadvantaged communities and support their educational and economic growth.
We must build a more just and equitable society where every child—regardless of their background or socioeconomic status—has access to quality education and the opportunity to thrive.
by
Dr Sefoko Ramoshaba
Founder: Social Justice and Leadership Insititute
tlouyaphokobyeng@tlouyaphokojwenggmail-com
064 709 2097
1 Comment
The systemic failures in South Africa’s universities, particularly with NSFAS, are unacceptable. Disadvantaged students deserve better support and governance to access quality education.