Nzimande Plan to Address NSFAS Challenges. In 2023, thousands of students faced the risk of losing their financial support from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at mitigating the challenges experienced by these students.
Concerns Over NSFAS Policies
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) plays a pivotal role in supporting over one million students enrolled in accredited programs across universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges in South Africa. These students receive extensive bursaries, designed to cover all aspects of their education, including tuition fees, registration costs, and various allowances for essentials like food, accommodation, and stationery.
However, recent revelations have shown that a significant number of students had their funding discontinued by NSFAS, thrusting them into financial uncertainty. The consequences of this abrupt defunding include the potential for hunger and homelessness, as affected students lose access to accommodation and meal allowances.
Nzimande Response: Engaging Students
Blade Nzimande responded swiftly to address this crisis. NSFAS deployed two teams, each led by senior officials, to visit a sample of 10 universities and 20 TVET colleges. Their ten-day mission focused on direct engagement with students and institutions to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced. Furthermore, NSFAS initiated ongoing dialogues with student leaders to address persisting issues.
Reasons for Defunding
To shed light on the reasons behind the defunding of thousands of students, NSFAS clarified that 28,378 students lost their NSFAS bursaries since the beginning of 2023. Rejections stemmed from various factors, including discrepancies in financial eligibility criteria due to updated South African Revenue Service (SARS) data. Additionally, adjustments to Academic Eligibility (AE) assessment results could render a student ineligible for financial aid. Students may also find their funding revoked if they exceed the N+ rule, which imposes limits on the number of years a student can receive NSFAS support.
Challenges in Direct Allowance Payments
Starting in 2023, NSFAS-funded students (excluding those with disabilities) began receiving their allowances through a direct payment system, facilitated by four service providers: eZaga, Coinvest, Norocco, and Tenetech. However, the implementation of this system encountered multiple challenges.
NSFAS had initially stated that students would only incur a monthly charge of R12 for using their NSFAS bank accounts. Nevertheless, students have raised concerns about additional, unforeseen charges while transacting with their allowance funds.
Nzimande explained that extra charges may arise from student transaction behavior, such as frequently checking their account balances or excessive transactions, leading to additional fees.
Irregularities and CEO Removal
An investigation into the contract for the direct payment of allowances uncovered irregularities, resulting in the removal of NSFAS CEO Andile Nongogo. These actions reflect the government’s commitment to addressing the issues plaguing NSFAS and ensuring that South African students continue to receive the financial support they need to pursue their education.
