After NSFAS funding delays sparked protests, the Durban University of Technology said payments were processed for thousands of students.
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The Durban University of Technology has confirmed that National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances were processed for thousands of students this week.
This comes after unrest erupted across campuses due to the payment delays, with videos circulating online on Wednesday showing chaotic scenes. In an update DUT said it released payments for 5 862 students on Thursday, comprising 4 149 students for Learning Material Allowances and 1 713 students for Living Allowances,” the university said.
The institution added that approximately 700 students had not yet received payments due to issues such as failed account verification, including “invalid bank account numbers, incorrect ID and surname combination” or failure to submit banking details.
Affected students were urged to update their information on the student portal by midday on 20 March 2026.
DUT further indicated that another batch of payments is scheduled for 24 March 2026 for students who successfully update and verify their details.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and discomfort experienced by students and encourage calm as we work to ensure that the correct students are paid,” the university said.
DUT's Student Representative Council (SRC) had condemned violent actions during the protest.
“We should do better even at our worst point of disagreement,” the council said.
The SRC said it had engaged with DUT’s Finance and Financial Aid units following widespread complaints from students, particularly those dependent on NSFAS for daily survival.
At the same time, the SRC reiterated its statutory position, stating: “The Higher Education Act only recognises the SRC as a legitimate body that should advocate on behalf of students’ interests,” urging students to use formal channels to raise grievances.
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