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The Nelson Mandela University South campus main building in Summerstrand, Gqeberha.
Police and a private security company have used rubber bullets to disperse protesting students at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape.
Students were protesting over National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) related issues and online registration.
The students used tyres and debris to block entrance to the south and north campuses at Summerstrand.
One of the affected students, Musa Khoza, says they are forced to sleep in lecture halls as they are unable to register.
“We are facing clearance messages, most of us, many students didn’t get those messages and our situation is painful. Accommodation is another challenge, as well as down payment of NSFAS – some had been rejected. I remain clueless as we don’t know what is going to happen.”
NMU spokesperson Zandile Ngwendu says they are focused on keeping all campuses fully operational.
“The Nelson Mandela University has been actively engaging the SRC. Matters that we raised, as previously demanded, have been addressed and outstanding matters or issues remained under consideration through an establishment process involving the SRC. The university is committed to keep all our compasses open and fully operational.”
