NSFAS Backs Start of 16 Days of Activism

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has declared its support for the national launch of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, which begins on 25 November 2025 across South Africa. This year’s campaign follows government’s recent decision to classify gender-based violence as a national disaster.

What Happened

NSFAS observed the official start of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign by reaffirming its commitment to supporting survivors and encouraging action within the higher-education sector.
The organisation said South Africa’s classification of GBV as a national disaster emphasizes the urgency needed to confront a crisis that continues to affect communities nationwide.

Official Response

In its statement, NSFAS voiced strong solidarity with survivors and stressed the importance of collective responsibility.

“We stand in solidarity with survivors and commit ourselves to being part of the solution,” NSFAS said.

The scheme also reinforced its support for government’s stance, noting the scale of harm caused by GBV and the need for decisive national action.

Community Impact

NSFAS’s message arrives at a time when students, institutions and community groups are preparing activism programmes, dialogues and awareness drives for the 16-day period.
The acknowledgement of GBV as a national disaster is expected to guide stronger policy implementation and campus-level safety initiatives.