NSFAS News

Nzimande Explains NSFAS Board Dissolution And Administrator Appointment

Published

5 months ago

April 15, 2024

Nzimande Explains NSFAS Board Dissolution And Administrator Appointment

Minister of Higher Education Dr. Blade Nzimande recently took the decisive step of dissolving the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board and appointing an administrator. This move, announced during a press briefing, was motivated by the board’s apparent inability to fulfill its core responsibilities effectively.

Lack Of Board Effectiveness

Nzimande highlighted key deficiencies within the NSFAS board, emphasizing its failure to execute crucial tasks. One significant issue was the board’s inability to implement the recommendations outlined in the Werksmans’ report fully. These recommendations included the termination of contracts with certain service providers, particularly those irregularly appointed, such as the direct payment service providers.

Nonpayment Of Student Allowances

The decision to dissolve the board coincided with a troubling situation: the nonpayment of student allowances. This failure to disburse funds has left thousands of students stranded, unable to meet essential needs like accommodation.

Operational Failures

Operational shortcomings further compounded the challenges faced by NSFAS. These included the board failure to submit accurate annual reports to parliament, manage and finalize reports from previous schemes, and address capacity deficiencies within the organization.

Communication And Consultation Issues

Nzimande also highlighted communication and consultation deficiencies, citing the board’s inability to respond promptly and efficiently to student queries. Additionally, there were challenges in consulting on guidelines for addressing issues related to the “missing middle” — students whose families earn too much to qualify for financial aid but still struggle to afford tuition.

Divided Board And Internal Strife

Internal divisions within the board exacerbated the situation, with some members reportedly working against the board’s collective goals. This internal strife further hindered the board’s ability to function cohesively and effectively.

Impact On Students And Reputation

The overarching consequence of these shortcomings was a detrimental effect on student welfare and the reputation of both the Department of Higher Education and NSFAS. Students experienced unnecessary stress due to delayed allowances, while the reputation of the institutions involved suffered significant damage.

Appointment Of Administrator

In response to these challenges, Freeman Nomvalo, a seasoned professional with a background in finance and governance, was appointed as the NSFAS administrator. Nzimande expressed confidence in Nomvalo’s ability to address the issues facing NSFAS. Nomvalo is empowered to make necessary appointments of technical experts to assist in various areas of NSFAS operations, in consultation with the Minister.

Conclusion

Despite the dissolution of the board, Nzimande reassured stakeholders that NSFAS operations would continue uninterrupted. The appointment of an administrator signals a proactive approach to address the systemic issues plaguing the organization and ensure the effective delivery of 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!