NSFAS News

NSFAS Board Appointments Are Unethical And Dubious

Published

1 month ago

August 15, 2024

NSFAS Board Appointments Are Unethical And Dubious. The Economic Freedom Fighters Students’ Command (EFFSC) has raised concerns over the ongoing nomination process for the new Board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). According to a recent media alert from the Parliamentary Monitoring Group (PMG), the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, has officially opened the nominations, inviting South Africans to recommend individuals to serve on the new NSFAS Board.

Historical Context Of NSFAS Board Appointments

The EFFSC has long criticized what they describe as a “dubious and unethical” culture surrounding NSFAS Board appointments. They argue that over the years, these appointments have been conducted in a private, opaque manner, lacking in public scrutiny and transparency. This, they claim, has allowed successive Ministers from the African National Congress (ANC) to appoint Board members behind closed doors, fostering an environment ripe for corruption and patronage within government institutions.

The organization points to past events as evidence of this issue. On April 14, 2024, former Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Blade Nzimande, announced the dissolution of the NSFAS Board, citing the Board’s failure to fulfill its fiduciary duties as the reason for placing the national funding scheme under administration. Dr. Nzimande acknowledged that the Board had failed to execute some of the most basic responsibilities mandated by the NSFAS Act, leading to widespread financial mismanagement.

Forensic investigations have since revealed that not only did the Board fail in its oversight responsibilities, but it was also implicated in the fraudulent and corrupt activities plaguing the funding scheme. This was not an isolated incident; in 2018, Dr. Naledi Pandor, the then Minister of Higher Education and Training, similarly dissolved the NSFAS Board due to delays and failures in disbursing funds to students.

The Need For Ethical And Transparent Leadership

Given NSFAS’s troubled history, the EFFSC emphasizes the urgent need for ethical and transparent leadership to address the persistent issues of mismanagement, corruption, and fraud within the scheme. The organization advocates for a process similar to the appointment of Board members to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), where potential candidates are subjected to a transparent parliamentary process open to public engagement and scrutiny.

The EFFSC insists that all nominated NSFAS Board members must be publicly interviewed, with their qualifications, expertise, and credentials made available to the South African public. This level of transparency, they argue, is essential to ensure that the individuals entrusted with overseeing NSFAS’s annual budget of approximately R50 billion are capable and committed to safeguarding the interests of South Africa’s students.

Call To Action

In light of these concerns, the EFFSC calls on all South Africans with relevant expertise and an understanding of the transformative agenda within the higher education sector to participate in the NSFAS Board nomination process. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Conclusion

The EFFSC’s demand for transparency and ethical leadership in the appointment of NSFAS Board members highlights a critical need for reform within the organization. With billions of rands at stake and the futures of countless South African students hanging in the balance, the process of selecting new Board members must be conducted with the utmost integrity and accountability. Only through such measures can NSFAS regain the trust of the public and fulfill its mission of providing financial aid to deserving students.

NSFAS News

When We Can Apply For NSFAS In 2025

Published

1 day ago

September 15, 2024

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When We Can Apply For NSFAS. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a beacon of hope for many students seeking financial support to pursue higher education in South Africa. As we look forward to the 2025 academic year, it’s crucial for prospective students to be aware of the application timeline and eligibility requirements to maximize their chances of receiving funding. Here’s everything you need to know about applying for NSFAS in 2025.

NSFAS Application Opening Date for 2025

The NSFAS application period for the 2025 academic year is set to begin on Tuesday, 17 September 2024. This is the key date when the application portal will open, allowing eligible students to submit their applications. It’s advisable to apply as early as possible to ensure your application is processed promptly and to avoid any last-minute issues.

Eligibility Requirements

Before diving into the application process, it’s important to determine if you meet the NSFAS eligibility criteria. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements:

Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens.
Institution Registration: You must be registered or planning to register at a public university or TVET college.
Household Income: Your household’s combined annual income must not exceed R350,000.
Academic Requirements: You should meet the academic requirements of the institution you wish to attend.
Previous Funding: You must not have previously received NSFAS funding.
Postgraduate Studies: NSFAS does not fund postgraduate studies. If you are looking for funding for a postgraduate course, consider applying through the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Who Does Not Qualify?

While NSFAS aims to support as many students as possible, there are specific groups who are not eligible for funding:

Household Income: Students from households with an annual income exceeding R350,000 are not eligible.
Existing Funding: Students who have already received full study funding from other bursary sources cannot apply.
Second Undergraduate Degree: If you already have an undergraduate qualification and wish to pursue a second one, you cannot apply.
Private Institutions: Students enrolled in private higher education institutions are ineligible.
Non-Approved Qualifications: If your qualification is not approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) or is not SAQA accredited, you cannot apply.
Second Certificate: Students who have obtained a certificate qualification and wish to study for a second certificate are not eligible.

What Does NSFAS Cover?

NSFAS provides a comprehensive bursary package that includes:

Registration Fees: Full coverage of your registration fees.
Tuition Fees: Payment of your tuition fees.
Book Allowance: Financial support for purchasing books and other academic materials.
Accommodation: Coverage for accommodation or living expenses.

How to Apply

To apply for NSFAS funding for 2025, follow these steps:

Prepare Your Documents: Ensure you have all necessary documents ready, including proof of income, identity documents, and academic records.
Visit the NSFAS Website: Go to the official NSFAS website on 17 September 2024 to access the application portal.
Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with accurate information. Be sure to double-check all details before submitting.
Submit Your Application: Once you have completed the form, submit it through the NSFAS portal. You may need to upload supporting documents as part of the application process.
Track Your Application: After submission, monitor the status of your application through the NSFAS portal to stay updated on any additional requirements or next steps.

Conclusion

The NSFAS application for the 2025 academic year opens on 17 September 2024, and it’s essential for prospective students to prepare and apply early. Understanding the eligibility requirements and the details of what NSFAS covers will help you navigate the application process smoothly. By ensuring you meet the criteria and submitting a complete application, you can take a significant step towards securing the financial support needed to achieve your academic goals. Good luck with your application, and may your journey towards higher education be a successful one!