South Africa’s Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the government is committed to resolving the challenges plaguing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. The funding includes money for tuition and registration fees as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
In recent months, allowance payment challenges have left students in stressful situations with some even facing eviction.
We are also aware that funding has been a challenge as a result of the administrative challenges at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The leadership at NSFAS has undergone significant changes over the last few months due to these challenges.
The higher education minister Blade Nzimande fired the NSFAS board with Freeman Nomvalo being appointed as the new Administrator for NSFAS. Nomvalo will oversee the management, and administration of NSFAS for 12 months. Professor Lourens Van Professor Lourens Van Staden was appointed as the acting board chair following the resignation of Earnest Khosa.
Together with the youth we will ensure that NSFAS is administered efficiently, effective and that no one is left behind.
Mashatile acknowledged the vital role NSFAS play in the lives of poor and working-class children. They explain the majority of students enrolled at public institutions of higher education learning. NSFAS funding supports over 70% of university students and more than 90% of TVET college students through its bursary programme.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme remains a critical vehicle that supports students from poor and working-class families, with over 70% of university students and more than 90% of TVET college students benefiting from NSFAS bursaries.
He reassured the youth that efforts are being made to address the inefficiencies within NSFAS. "Together with the youth, we will ensure that NSFAS is administered efficiently, effectively, and that no one is left behind," he stated.
The deputy president highlighted the pivotal role of the youth in South Africa's development as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP). They underscored the necessity of involving young people in conversations that shape their present and future, emphasising that their active participation is crucial for achieving the country's growth targets.
The National Development Plan places youth at the centre of our country's development, correctly arguing that youth participation in our development initiatives is critical to meeting our growth targets
