"This is me begging you."

"Good Evening Prof?

I hope this email finds you well. I am the student that came to see you this morning regarding the problem I am facing and that I'm in need of a bursary of any kind if possible. I hope you will find some time to read my email.

To tell you in clear detail my whole issue. I was a transfer student from the University of Fort Hare, during my time at the institution I was funded by NSFAS, but that year too NSFAS only funded me on the second semester. I initially got rejected by NSFAS for not being financially eligible, but I filed an appeal explaining my situation. My parents divorced and I am currently living with my stepfather. My biological father only pays Court Oder Maintenance of R2000 per month?for my sister and I. Obviously my step father is not liable for any of such expenses.

After all the processes my appeal was approved.?

When I first came here last year my NSFAS status was stuck on Provisionally Funded, but I still couldn't register. I was told at Financial Aid to wait for the clearance SMS. At that time, I was residing at an on campus Residence, I was accepted there after I told them about my problem with NSFAS delaying. I was going back and forth at Financial Aid, and I still wasn't getting any help. They would tell me to call NSFAS and ask them, since they have no idea what is going on.

I tried applying for a Down Payment Concession, but it was also unfortunately rejected, because I was previously funded by NSFAS at another institution. My parents decided to make a loan and pay for my registration after I had a panic attack at res.?

Since I was not registered for res, it was not easy. I was constantly called into meetings and asked when I would be able to pay the registration. That put a lot of strain on my mental health, so I decided to speak to someone. I was scared to go to eMthonjeni but I was in desperate need of help. I constantly had breakdowns in class or when I was studying. But through all of that I managed to pass all my modules. I only found that out second semester around September because my results were withheld since I owed the university.?

NSFAS started funding me in September. I received allowances for the first semester and my book allowance which I used to help my parents pay for the debts they’d been making to sustain me. I still haven’t received my second semester allowances and my tuition from last year still hasn’t been settled by NSFAS. When I tried calling they told me I was put in the Exclusion List. People who are usually put on the Exclusion list are people who had applied for another bursary. I tried explaining to them that I never applied for any other bursary. The last lady who spoke to simply said she also doesn’t know what is going on with my account, and that was the end of it.

This year at the beginning of the year I called NSFAS and they told me to reapply and so I did. I have been waiting and nothing has changed. My status is still on “Awaiting Evaluation”. I tried applying for other private bursaries but couldn’t because I cannot access my Academic Record since I still am in debt.

Currently, I do not have a laptop. I thought I was going to buy it using my book allowance from last year. Second semester of last year was very hard without a laptop. I had to walk to North Campus to the lab at night so I could practice. I had never done science before university. In high school I was doing Commercial Subjects, and that lead me into failing Mechanics 1.

The reason why I finally decided to come and speak to you, Prof, is because my parents and I talked and decided that if nothing happens or changed by mid-March I will have to go back home and deregister. Last year took a lot from me, and so my parents are scared that if I don’t go back, I might not make it this year. I would really hate to not finish my degree. I fought hard to be here and I'd like to finish what I started.?

I know that there are other students with much better results/ academics than me, but I sincerely believe that if I had the necessary basic things, I needed I would have done a lot better. So I am asking that you please assist me so I can have a second chance. ?

This is me begging that you please, please consider my request. Any kind of assistance I would really appreciate. Thank you so much."

NOTE - In 2023 the student passed 10 modules (1 distinction) and failed 2