Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announced several resolutions reached between the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA) following a meeting at Mpumalanga University.
The TVET College sector in South Africa has been plagued by ongoing challenges, including students facing financial uncertainty, administrative failures, and governance issues. The frustration prompted SATVETSA to release a statement warning the DHET of several consequences should student concerns not be addressed.
NSFAS Delays
Key resolutions announced by Minister Nkabane include ensuring parity between TVET college and university living allowances. It was further resolved that all outstanding 2024 student allowances and accommodation fees will be processed by 25 February 2025, while 2025 allowances will be paid after receiving registration data.
In addition, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Appeals Committee will finalise all outstanding appeals before 28 February 2025.
Minister Nkabane confirmed that the mop-up process for unresolved results will be completed by 26 February, with Umalusi’s approval expected by 28 February. The Minister will also meet with examination officials to address assessment concerns.
TVET College Student Concerns
SATVETSA explained that thousands of students were defunded by NSFAS due to the delayed release of their results. This was concerning as the DHET reported that results for only two subjects were outstanding, which, according to the student association, is heavily inaccurate.
TVET college students were excluded from a 7 February NSFAS allowance payment run while university students were paid. Additionally, landlords accommodating NSFAS-funded students remain unpaid, putting students at risk of eviction and exploitation.
The student body also appointed officials within DHET and NSFAS, accusing them of incompetence and political favouritism. They also allege corruption in the accreditation of private student accommodation.
These challenges led SATVETSA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to Higher Education Minister Nkabane to address their demands or face student protests. Nkabane met with the student association earlier this week to address their challenges.
One of the resolutions of the Mpumalanga meeting was that SATVETSA will nominate a candidate to represent the TVET sector on the NSFAS Board.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) strongly opposed the board's composition, arguing that it violates the NSFAS Act of 1999, which requires student representation on the board.
