Copy to the public.
Subject: UNISA and NSFAS Crisis – Students Are Being Destroyed While Everyone Stays Silent
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing this letter out of complete frustration, anger, and desperation — on behalf of thousands of UNISA students who have been suffering since July because of the ongoing NSFAS and UNISA mess. We have been left stranded, ignored, and treated like we don’t exist.
Since July, countless students have not received their allowances, some have been defunded without explanation, and others are still waiting for appeals that have gone nowhere. We are unable to pay rent, buy food, travel, or even continue our studies properly. People are being evicted, dropping out, and struggling with mental health — while officials sit in offices pretending everything is fine. It’s not fine. It’s hell.
NSFAS keeps releasing statements full of excuses, and UNISA keeps saying “it’s not our responsibility.” Meanwhile, students are the ones suffering. We are being used as statistics in press releases, but no one is fixing the real problem. We have sent emails, we have marched, we have begged — and still, silence.
How is it that it’s November and students still haven’t received what they were promised months ago? How can an institution that calls itself “the University of the Future” watch its students starve and sleep in the streets? This situation is destroying lives, and the lack of accountability is beyond disgusting.
We need journalists, the public, and the government to pay attention. This is not just about late payments — this is about a system that has failed students completely. We want action, answers, and accountability. Stop the press statements and fix the crisis.
We are tired, broke, and angry — and we will not be silent any longer.
Sincerely,
A furious and forgotten UNISA student
