NSFAS sets the record straight in hopes to soothe student unrest
The NSFAS board spoke to the media about initial problems in their system and tackled student protests over 45,000 defunded students.
Ernest Khosa, the chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board, clarified the scheme’s fresh rules and eZaga payment system amid student protests nationwide.
It has been reported by Sowetan Live that students face huge debt and are protesting against sudden defunding of ‘undeserving students’.
Protests occurred at different universities, like the University of Free State (UFS), highlighting worries about eZaga, payout delays and more.
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NSFAS RESPONSE TO STUDENT PROTESTS
As the unrest began , NSFAS took to their social media platforms to express their concern on the growing unrest.
NSFAS CONDEMNS ACTS OF VIOLENCE AND DISRUPTIONS AT CAMPUSES pic.twitter.com/fna0CCCGn0
— NSFAS (@myNSFAS) July 19, 2023
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Khosa spoke on Monday’s media briefing, expressing concern over protests and disruptions in universities and TVET colleges.
He mentioned this goes against their mandate saying,”[It] is not something the scheme takes lightly as it is an adverse to our mandate.”
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RESPONSE ON NEW PAYMENT SYSTEM
He added the new payment method allowed NSFAS to “have full sight of funds disbursed to students”.
Khosa said they opted for this option because of prevalent fraudulent activities targeted at NSFAS beneficiaries.
He further stated that the new system prevents errors like the instance where R 14 million was mistakenly paid to a Walter Sisulu University student.
SECOND TRANCHE OF ALLOWANCES PAID, WHILE SOME EXPERIENCE AUTHENTICATION PROBLEMS
Students facing connectivity problems receive help as NSFAS sends teams to campuses for authentication.
“We have noted that technical issues near payment dates arise due to high traffic,” said Khosa.
NSFAS paid R608.6 million to university students and R383.6 million to TVET colleges, as stated in their release.
NSFAS SUCCESSFULLY PAYS SECOND TRANCHE OF ALLOWANCES THROUGH ITS DIRECT PAYMENT SYSTEM pic.twitter.com/sS6uY3SUAI
— NSFAS (@myNSFAS) August 1, 2023
45 927 STUDENTS DEFUNDED
Khosa explained that 45,927 students lost funding for using false parental relationships after initial rejection due to finances.
After re-evaluation, funding was restored for 14,703, but 31,224 were still unsuccessful, mostly due to high household income.
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