Mathatisi Sebusi / Hopolang Mokhopi
POSTGRADUATE students at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) have petitioned the parliamentary Social Cluster Committee for intervention regarding the conditions for their sponsorships by the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS).
The students, currently enrolled in master’s programs, claim that NMDS requires them to pay 50% of their previous NMDS loans upfront and settle the balance through monthly deductions from their bank accounts via stop orders—a condition they describe as unfair and unaffordable.
The petitioners include second-year post grad students struggling with monthly deductions that exceed their allowances and over 200 first-year students awaiting sponsorship approvals.
The petition states: “We, the undersigned, represent over 200 students admitted into various postgraduate programs in the 2024/25 academic year at NUL. Despite financial clearance and registration beginning in September 2024, NMDS only announced sponsorship terms on 20 October, giving less than 12 hours’ notice for students and their guardians to report to NMDS offices to sign contracts.”
Upon arrival, students were informed that they needed to pay 50% of their undergraduate loans immediately, with the remaining balance to be repaid in instalments. The petition explains that the average debt ranges from M70,000 to M90,000, requiring a lump-sum payment of approximately M35,000 upfront—an amount the students cannot afford.
“We are unemployed and struggling to meet daily needs. These conditions are impossible to fulfill,” the petition reads.
Speaking before the committee, students representative, Sesing Khama, highlighted the plight of first-year post grad students, who are nearing examinations but risk losing access to their results because NMDS has not paid their tuition fees.
Mr Khama noted that NMDS had initially announced full sponsorships for unemployed youth pursuing postgraduate studies. However, students were later informed that only those studying priority courses, such as agriculture, would be fully funded. Others must settle half of their previous NMDS loans to qualify for sponsorship.
“We are being asked to pay M30,000 or more upfront, which is impossible for unemployed students. Meanwhile, second-year students face monthly deductions of M2,500 from their M2,000 allowances, forcing them to add M500 from other sources,” Mr Khang said.
The Social Cluster Committee expressed shock at the revelations. Its member, Mamamello Holomo, questioned the appropriateness of deducting funds intended for students’ education.
“Is it appropriate to deduct the same allowances meant to support students’ learning?” She asked.
Committee Chairperson, Mokhothu Makhalanyane, criticised the lack of government prioritisation of postgraduate education, stating that neglecting higher education undermined the country’s economic and social progress.
Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Training, Ratšiu Majara, defended the conditions, citing a September 2023 cabinet decision. He explained that students in financial need could appeal their cases to NMDS.
Mr Majara also clarified that stop orders were not initiated by NMDS but by parents who fraudulently submitted students’ banking details instead of their own. He called this a breach of procedure.
NMDS Administrator, Refiloe Thamae, accused students of dishonesty, stating that some had volunteered to repay loans via stop orders, a request she rejected.
“Allowances are meant for learning, not repayments. Parents who pledged to pay are required to deposit funds directly into NMDS accounts,” Ms Thamae said, adding that students who proved financial need have since been approved for sponsorships.
The Social Cluster Committee pledged to address the students’ concerns while seeking clarity on NMDS policies.
