Zim scholarship student served with a letter of fees demand

A scholarship set up by the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, for study at South African universities is going through a bad patch and students risk losing the qualifications they have worked hard for.

A student at on the the South African Universities has been served with a letter of demand for outstanding fees of more than R70,000.

In a letter from the University to the student, a Manager at the Student Fees Office wrote, "We draw your attention to your default and herewith formally demand from you payment of the amount set out above which amount is due and payable in terms of the agreement you concluded with the University.

"In terms of Section 129(1) of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005, we hereby propose that you refer this credit agreement to a debt counsellor, alternative dispute resolution agent, consumer court or ombud with jurisdiction, in order to resolve any dispute under such agreement or develop a plan to bring payment under the agreement up to date.

"Alternatively you may contact the Senior Credit Controller: Student Debt or the Credit Controller: Student Debt before 04 August 2014 to assist you in developing a mutually agreeable plan to bring the arrear payment under the aforesaid agreement up-to-date.

"Section 130(1)(b) of the NCA states that if you fail to respond to this notice or you reject our proposals, the University will be entitled to take legal action and we will have no alternative but to refer this matter to our attorneys for collection."

Meanwhile, the student has in his possession a letter from the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education confirming that he has received a Scholarship to study at the South African university.

The letter reads, "This letter serves to confirm that the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, will provide full tuition and accommodation fees for (name withheld) in the 2013 academic year, to enable him pursue (degree withheld) degree at (University name).

"The scholarship will continue annually until completion of the programme subject to (name of student) attainment of satisfactory results at the end of each academic year.

"May you please furnish the Ministry with 2013 tuition and accommodation fees invoice, as well as the University's bank a/c details to facilitate electronic fees transfer.

"Meanwhile, may you allow (name withheld) to register for 2013 and let him utilize the facilities that are accorded to scholarship students.

For any further follow-up action may you please contact Mr. C. Tsvere the International Scholarship Officer on +263 712 876 894 or e-mail christstvere@yahoo.com.