KZN people don’t play: Blade Nzimande attacked with stones

Students at Amajuba TVET College in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, expressed their frustration and anger over delays in receiving their financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) by stoning Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande’s convoy as he arrived at the college.

The media reports that tense situation escalated as fourteen students were arrested, and police intervened to disperse the protesters, resulting in some students being treated in hospital for injuries sustained from rubber bullets.

The incident occurred on Friday when Minister Nzimande visited the college to engage with student leaders in response to the ongoing concerns regarding NSFAS payments.

The students’ actions reflect a broader sentiment of discontent among learners nationwide who have faced challenges in accessing financial support for their studies.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda provided details of the arrests, stating, “Madadeni police have arrested 14 suspects for public violence. They appeared in court on Monday following an incident where students allegedly obstructed the Minister’s entry into the college and threw stones, resulting in no reported injuries.”

Allegations of corruption and mismanagement within NSFAS have added fuel to the frustrations, with some students accusing Minister Nzimande of benefiting illicitly from the funds.

However, Nzimande has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that there is an unjustified witch-hunt against him.

Efforts to obtain comments from Amajuba TVET College’s communications unit and the Higher Education Ministry’s communications team were unfruitful, as both entities were unavailable for response.


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