University of Fort Hare vice-chancellor, Dr Mvuyo Tom is calling on parents of students who owe the university to encourage them to pay what is due to the university.
If they don’t, they won’t be allowed to write their exams.
Last December, the university was forced to pay staff salaries using an estimated R15-million in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds. It has also resorted to using debt collectors to force alumni to pay their debts.
Tom said the university had no choice.
“Those students who qualify for Eduloan funding are encouraged to raise the funds from that organisation.
“Those who are paid for by their parents or relatives are encouraged to get funding from those sources.
“This is an opportunity for parents and relatives to know that their children will not be allowed to write if they have not paid,” warned Tom in an interview with Dispatch.
He said debt collectors were going to work harder to recover debt from students who had left the university.
“The parents of the students need to be sensitised to assist their children who owe the university, and to let them know that their debt needs to be paid.”
Tom said student debt, beside allegations of mismanagement of the university ’s finances, was a major problem.
“We also call upon all managers and administrators, academic and non-academic staff, students, community and others to work with the university to recover whatever monies or resources have been wrongfully used or appropriated.”
In the face of dire university finances, Tom employed the services of FastTrac Freelance Business Specialists to review the university’s financial transactions and recommend ways of saving.
But he was quick to say the current situation was not affecting the core business of the institution.
“The core function of the university will go unhindered. The excellence in teaching, learning, research and community engagement continues despite the situation.”
He said the finances of previously disadvantaged universities were fragile.
“The university has survived many onslaughts or threats towards its sustainability. It (UFH) will rise from this slump.”
He said money had been dedicated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to assist a turnaround plan for UFH and others.
“The minister of higher education and training dedicated R2.2-billion to assist these institutions to turn around.
“This amount is spread over five years to assist in, amongst others, establishing systems and structures that will put these institutions on a good footing.s
“These amounts are yet to be allocated,” said Tom. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
Ft Hare urges indebted students to pay up
If they don’t, they won’t be allowed to write their exams.
Last December, the university was forced to pay staff salaries using an estimated R15-million in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds. It has also resorted to using debt collectors to force alumni to pay their debts.
Tom said the university had no choice.
“Those students who qualify for Eduloan funding are encouraged to raise the funds from that organisation.
“Those who are paid for by their parents or relatives are encouraged to get funding from those sources.
“This is an opportunity for parents and relatives to know that their children will not be allowed to write if they have not paid,” warned Tom in an interview with Dispatch.
He said debt collectors were going to work harder to recover debt from students who had left the university.
“The parents of the students need to be sensitised to assist their children who owe the university, and to let them know that their debt needs to be paid.”
Tom said student debt, beside allegations of mismanagement of the university ’s finances, was a major problem.
“We also call upon all managers and administrators, academic and non-academic staff, students, community and others to work with the university to recover whatever monies or resources have been wrongfully used or appropriated.”
In the face of dire university finances, Tom employed the services of FastTrac Freelance Business Specialists to review the university’s financial transactions and recommend ways of saving.
But he was quick to say the current situation was not affecting the core business of the institution.
“The core function of the university will go unhindered. The excellence in teaching, learning, research and community engagement continues despite the situation.”
He said the finances of previously disadvantaged universities were fragile.
“The university has survived many onslaughts or threats towards its sustainability. It (UFH) will rise from this slump.”
He said money had been dedicated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to assist a turnaround plan for UFH and others.
“The minister of higher education and training dedicated R2.2-billion to assist these institutions to turn around.
“This amount is spread over five years to assist in, amongst others, establishing systems and structures that will put these institutions on a good footing.s
“These amounts are yet to be allocated,” said Tom. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za
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