De-funding by NSFAS. How did a passionate young disadvantaged South African got here?

My name is Thandiwe Nkosiyapha Khanyi, and I am a Bachelor of Education student at the University of Johannesburg, majoring in English and ICT. Teaching is my passion, and I have always been committed to excelling academically so that I can make a difference in education.

At the beginning of 2025, I received devastating news—I had been defunded by NSFAS. Throughout 2024, NSFAS funded my accommodation, book allowances, and meal allowances as usual, so I had no reason to believe there were any issues. However, I recently discovered that NSFAS never paid my tuition fees to UJ, leaving me with an outstanding balance of R130,039.32.

To make matters worse, UJ has now placed a financial block on my registration, requiring me to pay at least 50% (R65,019.66) by February 14, 2025, to continue my studies. I immediately appealed the NSFAS decision, as both my parents are unemployed and unable to cover my university costs. Sadly, my appeal was unsuccessful, leaving me with no financial support and no means to settle this debt.

Despite these setbacks, I remain a dedicated student who prioritizes her academics. Unfortunately, I can only access my first-year academic record, as my second-year results are being withheld due to the fees I owe. This has made it difficult to secure bursaries, as many require a full academic record.

I exhausted every possible option before starting this fundraiser. I appealed NSFAS, but my appeal was denied. I app**** for bursaries, but since UJ is withholding my second-year academic record due to my outstanding fees, I don’t meet the full application requirements. My parents are both unemployed, and I simply do not have the financial means to settle this debt.

If I don’t raise the funds in time, I will be forced to take a gap year, which will disrupt my studies and make it even harder to continue.

If you can, please consider donating—even R10 can make a difference. You can donate through transferring to my university student account which I will put on this message. Alternatively I have started a BackaBuddy fundraiser where you can also donate.

If you’re unable to contribute financially, you can still help by sharing my story or referring me to bursaries, funding programs, or job opportunities that can assist in covering outstanding debt as well as as funding for this academic year.

Even if I don’t reach my goal by February 14th, you can still contribute after this date to help me settle the full debt and continue my education.

UJ Banking Details Account Name: University of Johannesburg Account Type: Cheque Account Account Number: ***9 Branch Code: 210-554 Reference Number: *** Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

I have attached all relevant information on the poster and you can contact me if you require further information such a my full fee statement and any supporting documents. Your help will be deeply appreciated.

📌 BackaBuddy link: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/help-keep-thandiwe-in-school 📧Email Me : *** 📞 Contact me at: *** 💙 Thank you for your kindness and support! 💙