IFPYB chair calls for the resignation of Minister Blade Nzimande
8 November 2023
The National Chairperson of the Inkatha Freedom Party Youth Brigade (IFPYB), Hon. Sanele Sethembeni Zondo, has issued an urgent and unequivocal call for the resignation of Minister Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation.
This call comes in light of the recent decision by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board to terminate the contracts of all four direct payments service providers responsible for disbursing allowances to NSFAS students. This crisis demands our immediate attention, and I call upon the Minister to take responsibility for this failure, consider the implications of his leadership, and to step down with immediate effect.
The decision by the NSFAS Board to terminate these contracts underscores the persistent and systematic issues plaguing the distribution of financial aid to students who rely on these funds to pursue their education. It is a matter of great concern that despite repeated assurances and promises, the problems continue to persist, leaving countless students in a state of uncertainty and financial distress.
The NSFAS was established with the noble intention of providing financial support to underprivileged students and granting them the opportunity to pursue higher education. Regrettably, it is now a mere shadow of this noble purpose. Our students, the future of our nation, are suffering gravely due to the inefficiencies and mismanagement within this institution.
As we speak, many university students are writing their exams on empty stomachs, unable to afford meals or basic necessities. Their dreams of a brighter future are being crushed under the weight of hunger and despair. This is not just a matter of statistics; these are the lives of our youth, and we cannot turn a blind eye to their suffering.
The IFPYB asserts that immediate action is imperative to rectify this ongoing crisis.
The students who depend on NSFAS funding deserve a system that functions efficiently and reliably, ensuring that they can continue their studies without unnecessary hurdles and delays.
The collapse of NSFAS goes beyond the economic repercussions; it erodes the social fabric of our nation. It undermines the principles of equality and access to education that underpin our democracy. It sows the seeds of disillusionment among our youth and threatens to exacerbate the existing inequalities that persist in our society.
The IFPYB stands firmly in support of the students affected by these shortcomings and calls upon Minister Blade Nzimande to take responsibility for the current situation. It is the duty of our leaders to ensure that educational aspirations of our youth are met with the necessary support and resources.
Considering these developments, it is essential to hold those responsible for this debacle accountable.
The IFPYB calls upon the Minister to take full responsibility for the failings within NSFAS. This call is not made lightly but in recognition of the gravity of the situation the students are facing, and the urgency required to address the systematic issues within the Higher Education sector. While leadership often entails addressing complex challenges, it also requires acknowledging when circumstances have surpassed one's capabilities.
In closing, the IFPYB remains committed to advocating for a Youth Ministry to advocate for the rights and interests of young people, including students across the country, and will continue to work towards a higher education system that is fair, accessible and conducive to the success of every aspiring young person. Our students deserve better, and their dreams must not be abandoned due to bureaucratic failures.
The time for action is now, and our students are waiting for us to make the right decisions on their behalf.
Issued by Sanele Sethembeni Zondo, IFPYB National Chairperson, 8 November 20234
