NSFAS September 2023 Allowance Payments and System Challenges Updated. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides funding to eligible students in South Africa studying at TVET colleges and public universities. In this article, we will discuss the recent update on student allowances for September 2023. Check your application status now.
Student Allowance Payment Date
NSFAS has confirmed that student allowances for university students for the month of September 2023 have been paid. The payments were processed through NSFAS’s direct payment system on Friday, 01 September 2023. This announcement followed concerns raised by some students who had not received their allowances on the expected date.
Technical Glitch
NSFAS acknowledged a technical glitch that resulted in the delay of allowance payments on the initial date. However, they assured that the issue had been resolved, and payments were scheduled to reflect in beneficiaries’ accounts by 12h00 on 01 September 2023. NSFAS also debunked reports of further delays due to issues with service providers.
Apology to Students
NSFAS expressed their sincere apologies to the affected students, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delay. They vowed to prevent such occurrences in the future, emphasizing their commitment to providing timely financial assistance to beneficiaries.
NSFAS Direct Payment System Challenges
The introduction of the NSFAS direct payment system has faced criticism from students and stakeholders. The system was launched in June 2023 in collaboration with fintech companies like Tenet Technology, Coinvest Africa, Ezaga Holdings, and Norraco Corporation.
Issues Raised
Since its implementation, several issues have arisen, including students not receiving funds, high bank charges, system glitches, and unauthorized access leading to fund loss. Students also expressed frustration over the timing and communication surrounding the new system’s introduction in the middle of the academic year.
NSFAS’s Response
Ernest Khosa, the NSFAS board chair, acknowledged the teething issues associated with introducing a new system. He assured stakeholders that NSFAS would continue engaging with them to address these challenges. NSFAS remains committed to onboarding all beneficiaries onto the new system and providing value-added services throughout the 2024 academic year.
Conclusion
NSFAS has successfully addressed the delay in student allowance payments for September 2023, attributing it to a technical glitch. While challenges persist with the new direct payment system, NSFAS is committed to resolving these issues and ensuring a smoother experience for beneficiaries. As South African students continue their academic journeys, NSFAS remains dedicated to providing timely financial aid support.
