By By Sinenhlanhla Ngwenya (2 mins read)
Most of the workers at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be going on strike from Monday, 28th October.
Workers affiliated with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) will commence a strike action from tomorrow until the relevant demands are met, according to a statement released early today by the union.
Radio 702 reported that around 80% of NSFAS employees are affiliated to Nehawu. The strike action can affect the application process of students applying for funding to the scheme for the 2020 academic year.
The demands include:
- Payment of R12-500 Performance in bonuses
- Absorption of temporary staff in line with LRA (Labour Relations Act) Section 198B
- Introduction of new a pension fund scheme
- Development of Human Resources Policies
- Implementation of IT Systems to curb corruption
- Release of 2018/2019 Audit report
- Implementation of fair housing allowance
- End to victimization of staff based on union affiliation
Nehawu claims that members have been patient with NSFAS in the hope of the matters being solved; however, the situation seems to be worsening.
NSFAS has apparently been preoccupied with isolating and victimising members who have been at the forefront of exposing corruption emanating from the lack of an accounting system and IT system (SBUX), which is intended to disburse funds to students.
Recently, three employees working at the scheme were arrested in relation to allegations pertaining to student allowances.
The allegations include the employees channelling student allowances to their personal bank accounts rather than those of the respective students.
NSFAS could not be reached via phone call for comment. TOJ
This story is likely to be updated as it develops. Reporting by Sinenhlanhla Ngwenya. Editing by Gaby Ndongo. Feature image obtained from Nehawu’s official Facebook page.
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