Students and police clash at Westcol campus over funding
Westcol Krugersdorp students protest over NSFAS funding.
Frustrated students gathered outside the Westcol TVET College campus in Krugersdorp earlier this week expressing their unhappiness about funding.
According to the students, many classes have already begun for the first semester, however, many of them cannot start the academic year due to uncertainty over funding and complications from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
Student Rogers Vuma said many students have been left without their book allowances and are unable to register due to waiting for funds from NSFAS.
Students took it upon themselves to bring awareness to this issue, however, the situation soon turned violent and chaotic as police and students clashed on Tuesday, March 12. Property on campus was also vandalised as a result.
“Some students, who are NSFAS beneficiaries got approved for funding but can not access it at all. We tried speaking to our campus manager but then the police intervened,” added Vuma.
The News has reached out to the police as well as Westcol management to respond on the matter since Wednesday afternoon, March 13, however, they did not give any feedback. Their response will be published once feedback is received.
