Rhodes calls for support of student assistance campaign

‘Unlocking Futures’ project aimed at raising funds for those under financial strain

Rhodes University is leading from the front in tackling student debt and ensuring education remains the priority at the institution.

The university has called on corporations, alumni and the broader communities to support its new campaign aptly named “Unlocking Futures”.

The campaign is aimed at raising R74m to lessen the financial burden on current students and graduates after the National Student Financial Aid Scheme capped funding allowances.

NSFAS recently implemented several changes to its funding model, including stricter academic requirements for students to continue receiving funding.

As of this year, continuing and first-time students must achieve a credit pass rate of 50% and a course credit pass mark of 60% to be eligible for funding.

Living allowances have been capped at R16,500 a year, accommodation fees have been restricted to R50,000 in metro areas and R41,000 in other regions per academic year.

According to Universities South Africa, student debt rose to more than R700m in 2023 alone.

The body, representing 26 public universities in SA, said the amount reflected the difference between what universities charged students for accommodation and food compared with the amount NSFAS paid.

Rhodes University’s outstanding student debt was about R43m in the same year.

Despite being classified in the lower accommodation funding category, Rhodes University’s average residence fees significantly surpass the capped amounts set by NSFAS.

Students have had to cut back even further on food and other essentials, while many will enter the working world already on the back foot with hefty debt bills.

Rhodes student Sam Khuzwayo said he tried his best not to be overly concerned about his student debt.

“My mother asked me to focus more on my academics than the financial crisis we were going through, so I concentrated on getting good grades,” he said.

“I sacrificed as much as I could and bought food that would just take me through the month.

“After I graduated, I received an internship with a stipend of R5,000 a month.

“I spend most of the money every month on reducing my student debt.”

BSc student Sandra Isaacs, a 2023 bursary recipient at Rhodes, echoed the call for corporations, alumni as well as communities to support the university’s campaign.

“The funding has been a game-changer for me coming from a financially struggling home,” she said.

“I would not have been able to pursue my dream without it.

“This bursary has relieved the financial burden on my family. It allowed me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about how to pay for the tuition.

“This is why it’s crucial for people to contribute towards initiatives like the ‘Unlocking Futures’ campaign.

“By investing in students from financially struggling backgrounds, they are not just funding an education, they are investing in the future of entire families and communities.,”

As Rhodes celebrates its 120th anniversary, it is calling on all stakeholders to rally behind the “Unlocking Futures” initiative.

Rhodes chief financial officer Kamlesh Riga said 3,522 of the 8,156 students registered at the university for 2024 were funded by NSFAS, while 67% of students living at the university’s residences were reliant on NSFAS to pay for their accommodation.

Through various fundraising initiatives, the university aims to provide debt relief and increase student access to higher education.

Riga said the funding shortfall had led to Rhodes cutting back on operational spending.

“We have a backlog in maintenance on our infrastructure that runs into billions.

“We normally aim to upgrade at least one residential building on campus annually,” he said.

“Reprioritisation of maintenance needs will now have to be performed.

“Funding of research equipment, new and replacement, could also drop down the priority list. If we don’t have surplus funds that we can reinvest, this will affect our operations in the medium to longer term.

“In the long term, the university’s financial sustainability will be at risk.”

He said intake numbers had also dropped this year, worsening an already precarious financial situation.

“No-one wants to enter the work environment with thousands of rand in debt hanging over their heads.

“In some cases, students may enrol at Rhodes but be forced to consider cheap accommodation that may not support their academic success,” Riga said.

To view the campaign, visit https://www.ru.ac.za/donate