By Prudence Mathenjwa
Durban University of Technology (DUT) students say food insecurity has become one of the biggest challenges on campus, especially for those who were recently defunded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
This week, students at the Steve Biko campus received food parcels in a distribution drive organised by the uMkhonto weSizwe Student Movement (MKSM). The initiative comes at a time when many learners are struggling without tuition, accommodation, or living allowances.
Since the start of the year, DUT has seen waves of frustration among students after NSFAS failed to release funds or withdrew funding from some. Protests on campus disrupted the academic calendar, but many students say their biggest struggle remains hunger.
“This food hamper will go a long way to feed me this month, especially since we are studying to write tests,” said third-year student Nompilo Mkhize.
Another student, Natasha Tyiso, said the gesture reminded her that students’ struggles were being noticed.
“It’s nice to see that there are people who recognise our struggles as students and they then take their time and resources to reach out and give what they can to improve our situation,” she said.
MKSM members said their focus was on ensuring that no student goes hungry while trying to study. The organisation began the food parcel drive two weeks ago, prioritising students who were defunded. The latest distribution was held to reach those who missed out earlier due to limited supplies.
While the food parcels were welcomed, students say the long-term issue lies with NSFAS. With a new Student Representative Council (SRC) being sown in to power this week. Many students called for a system that ensures sustainable support so that learners do not have to rely on donations to meet their most basic needs.
Despite having lost the SRC elections, student organisations like MKSM say they are working to expand the program by seeking collaborations and donations and continue assisting more learners as they have been doing long before elections came.
