Public universities carry cost of broken funding system, says NWU professor
This is according to Prof Linda du Plessis, senior deputy vice-chancellor: teaching and learning at North West University (NWU), who warns that the strain placed on universities by NSFAS and various sector education and training authorities (Setas) is threatening their ability to function, deliver quality education and contribute to national development.
'The dysfunction at the heart of NSFAS and various Setas has been the topic of many recent media articles,' she said.
'This focus is needed as it directly affects the academic journey and future of South Africa's most vulnerable students. However, what continues to receive little or no acknowledgment is the burden these failures place on the very institutions tasked with delivering quality higher education: the public universities,' said Du Plessis.
According to Du Plessis, universities have for years had to absorb the impact of NSFAS mismanagement, often without being consulted or supported.
'While minister [Nobuhle] Nkabane and her department continue to promise reforms, universities remain on the receiving end of a crumbling system that is fast becoming unsustainable — not just for students, but for the institutions themselves.'
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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Public universities carry cost of broken funding system, says NWU professor
'Universities are forced into the untenable position of either blocking registrations or carrying the cost of registration and tuition, effectively becoming creditors in a relationship they never agreed to.' When students are evicted over unpaid rent, it is universities that face backlash, she said. Institutions are often left negotiating with landlords, extending registration deadlines and calming student unrest. Du Plessis said these financial pressures disrupt teaching and learning and contribute to operational instability. 'While the public sees burning tyres and angry slogans, what remains hidden is the huge operational toll this takes on institutions. Academic calendars are adjusted repeatedly and these changes often come with additional cost implications.' Even though the government has increased higher education funding, most of it is directed towards NSFAS, rather than towards developing universities or advancing research. Compounding the crisis is the role of Setas, which are meant to support skills development and training. Du Plessis said political interference and poor governance have left many Setas ineffective. 'The recent allegations regarding the appointment of politically connected individuals are yet another example of how politics can be prioritised over merit and accountability in the higher-education and training sector,' she said. Universities rely on Setas for internships, work-integrated learning and industry partnerships. When Setas fail, the burden again shifts to universities.
