NSFAS News

NSFAS Failures – Women Land Struggles and Human Rights Court Decisions

Published

3 weeks ago

August 28, 2024

NSFAS Failures – Women Land Struggles and Human Rights Court Decisions. This week is packed with events addressing critical issues in South Africa, ranging from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) failures to women’s land struggles and human rights court decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming events that aim to shed light on these pressing issues and foster change.

NSFAS Failures Webinar

Date and Time: Tuesday, 27 August, 7pm
Event: Youth Capital Webinar
Topic: The True Cost of NSFAS Failures

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is designed to alleviate financial constraints for students seeking post-school education. However, recent news has spotlighted its failures, including corruption, mismanagement of funds, and delays in payments. These issues have had severe consequences for students, including forced dropouts, poor mental health, and uncertain futures.

Youth Capital will host a webinar to discuss the true impact of NSFAS failures on students’ lives. This session will delve into how these failures have disrupted the educational aspirations and well-being of countless young people.

Women Land Struggles Webinar

Date and Time: Wednesday, 28 August, 2pm
Event: University of the Western Cape & Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies Webinar
Topic: Women’s Land Struggles in Post-Apartheid South Africa

Despite constitutional provisions aimed at equitable land access, many South Africans, particularly women, continue to face significant barriers. This webinar will explore the ongoing land inequalities and the challenges women face in securing land rights. Key speakers include:

Motlanalo Lebepe: Director, Nkuzi Development Association
Tshepo Fokane: Acting National Coordinator, Alliance for Rural Democracy
Nozi Sigwela: Researcher, Ndifuna Ukwazi

Book Launch: “Comrade & Commander: The Life And Times of Joe Modise”

Date and Time: Wednesday, 28 August, 5:30pm
Location: Nelson Mandela Foundation

This book launch will feature editors Ronnie Kasrils and Fidelis Hove discussing Joe Modise’s legacy. Modise, a former anti-apartheid activist and the first black Minister of Defence in democratic South Africa, is the focus of this new publication that highlights his significant contributions to the country’s history.

Human Rights Court Decisions Webinar

Date and Time: Thursday, 29 August, 2pm
Event: Southern African Litigation Centre Webinar
Topic: From Court to Action: Impact of Human Rights Cases

This webinar will analyze recent and ongoing human rights cases and their impact on the LGBTQI+ community and broader human rights issues. The discussion will focus on how these legal decisions translate into real-world action and advocacy.

Empowering Teen Parents Webinar

Date and Time: Thursday, 29 August, 10pm
Event: Networking HIV & Aids Community of Southern Africa Webinar
Topic: Empowering Teen Parents

This session will address the challenges faced by teen parents and explore ways to support and empower them in their journey.

International Day Of The Victims Of Enforced Disappearances

Date: Friday, 30 August

This UN-observed day highlights the global issue of enforced disappearances, used historically to instill fear and repress political opponents. The day aims to raise awareness of the ongoing human rights violations associated with enforced disappearances and call for justice and accountability.

Facebook Live Discussion On Depression And Dementia

Date and Time: Friday, 30 August, 1pm
Event: South African Depression and Anxiety Group Facebook Live
Topic: Depression and Dementia Risk in Women

Dr. Ryan Fuller, a psychiatrist, will discuss the connection between depression and dementia risk in women, offering insights and advice for managing these conditions.

Music Concert For Student Support

Date: Saturday, 31 August 2024
Event: #Action4Inclusion Palissander Concert
Location: Stellenbosch University

This concert, led by advocate and social justice champion Professor Thuli Madonsela, is part of the #Action4Inclusion initiative to raise funds for students in need. The event marks the start of a broader fundraising campaign, including a 300km pilgrimage from Stellenbosch to Cape Agulhas later this year, aimed at ending student debt and supporting educational aspirations.

Coclusion

This week’s events offer vital opportunities to engage with pressing issues, from the failures of NSFAS and women’s land struggles to human rights advancements and support for students. Each event presents a chance to contribute to meaningful change and advocate for justice and equity in South Africa.

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!