Durban, South Africa — 2026-03-19 Student unrest at DUT over delayed NSFAS allowances. Students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have taken to the streets to protest the delayed payment of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances.
The demonstrations have led to violence and have been condemned by the Student Representative Council (SRC).
According to local reports, the protests began last week when students received notification that their NSFAS allowances had been delayed.
The delay, which has affected several thousand students, is attributed to administrative issues within the NSFAS system.
The SRC has expressed its disapproval of the violence that has erupted during the protests.
Officials commented on the matter. “Students have a right to protest, but violence is never the answer.”
The university administration has also commented on the situation, indicating that they are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
The situation at DUT highlights the ongoing challenges faced by students reliant on financial aid in South Africa.
The NSFAS program, which was established to provide financial support to eligible students, has faced criticism for its administrative inefficiencies and delays in processing payments. Further details regarding the resolution of the issue and the impact on students are expected to be released in the coming days.
