NSFAS News

SIU And NSFAS Applaud Western Cape High Court Decision

Published

3 months ago

July 1, 2024

SIU And NSFAS Applaud Western Cape High Court Decision. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have expressed satisfaction with the recent ruling by the Western Cape High Court. The court dismissed an application by Ezaga Holdings, which sought to block the implementation of the Werksmans Attorneys report. The application was dismissed with costs.

Background Of The Case

Ezaga Holdings was one of the service providers contracted to disburse funds to NSFAS beneficiaries. However, following the recommendations of the Werksmans Attorneys report, NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo terminated the contracts of Ezaga Holdings and three other service providers: Coinvest Africa, Norraco Corporation, and Tenet Technologies. These terminations were based on findings that the companies were appointed irregularly.

Court Ruling

On June 12, the Western Cape High Court ruled that there was no urgency in the application brought by Ezaga Holdings. This decision came after a review application to set aside Ezaga Holdings’ appointment as a service provider had been finalized. Judge Thandazwa Ndita ordered Ezaga Holdings to pay the legal costs of NSFAS and the SIU, including the costs of two counsels.

Claims By Ezaga Holdings

In their court papers, Ismail Ally, COO of Ezaga Holdings, argued that NSFAS had unlawfully terminated the Service Level Agreement (SLA). Ally contended that only the courts have the authority to invalidate or uphold such agreements, not NSFAS.

Court Response To Claims

The court, however, did not accept the claims made by Ezaga Holdings. The judgment stated:

“Having read the papers filed on record, and having heard the argument from the parties’ respective counsel, it is hereby ordered that the matter is struck off the record due to lack of urgency. The applicant is ordered to pay the first respondent’s costs, including two counsel.”

Reactions From SIU And NSFAS

Both the SIU and NSFAS welcomed the High Court’s decision. They emphasized that the judgment supports the implementation of the Werksmans Attorneys report, which aims to address wrongdoing and enhance controls within the public procurement process.

“The SIU and NSFAS welcome the decision of the High Court, as it clears the way for the implementation of the Werksmans Attorneys’ report and the outcomes and consequence management to correct wrongdoing and further tighten the controls within the public procurement process,” they stated.

Additional Legal Developments

Norraco Corporation, another service provider disbursing allowances to NSFAS beneficiaries, was also involved in the matter. They filed a counter-application in agreement with Ezaga Holdings’ position. However, this counter-application was likewise dismissed with costs.

Conclusion

The Western Cape High Court’s decision marks a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability within NSFAS’s operations. The SIU and NSFAS remain committed to implementing the recommendations of the Werksmans Attorneys report and strengthening the public procurement process to prevent future irregularities.

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!