Urgent Student Housing Crisis

My name is Ndumiso, a second-year Bachelor of Education student at Sol Plaatje University in South Africa.

MY STORY

Education has always been more than a qualification to me. It is a calling. From the moment I entered university, I committed myself fully to my studies and to the goal of becoming a teacher who can make a meaningful contribution to South African education.

Despite significant financial challenges, I excelled academically in my first year. I passed all my modules, achieved an overall average of 70%, and earned four distinctions. I have continued to work hard and remain dedicated to completing my degree.

WHAT I AM FACED WITH 

Unfortunately, academic success has not protected me from financial hardship.

I have been unfunded throughout this academic year and have relied on volunteering, temporary work, and any income I could find to cover basic necessities such as food, toiletries, and accommodation.

Last month, I reached a point of desperation and had to pawn my laptop at Cash Crusaders simply to pay rent. My laptop is ess...