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In the dynamic landscape of education, students often encounter challenges that require personalized attention and support to overcome. This is where tutoring services play a crucial role, offering tailored guidance and instruction to help students excel in their academic pursuits. From mathematics to languages, sciences to humanities, tutoring services cover a wide range of subjects …
In the ever-evolving landscape of South African healthcare, technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing both operational efficiencies and patient care. As medical practices seek to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare delivery, the adoption of specialised software and services becomes essential. This blog explores the key technology solutions reshaping healthcare in South Africa, from …
After a challenging Track and Field season, the EPA Championships was a great success this past weekend. The EPA Championships, which form part of the NMB Legacy Project sponsored by the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, attracted an impressive 330 athletes, aged between 12 to 73, participating in 535 events. “Due to ongoing protests at the …
“I don’t have much but I’m happy for a decent house,” says Ndenzeni Njwenene
“I am a proudly gay man,” city councillor Rob Quintas tells crowd
SA commemorates World Obesity Day
As the country joins the global community to mark World Obesity Day, the Department of Health has urged people to engage in regular physical activity and follow a balanced eating plan.
World Obesity Day is aimed at raising awareness and improving understanding of obesity root causes and actions needed to address them, and tackling the associated stigma.
Obesity has become one of the biggest health crises faced by people today around the world.
According to the World Health Organization, obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally, claiming at least 2.8 million lives annually, while 1 in 8 people in the world were living with obesity in 2022.
“Evidence shows that interventions (such as improved diet and physical activity) introduced to tackle obesity have the potential benefits to reduce the incidence of NCDs and its burden on healthcare spending, individuals and their families.
“The Department of Health urges people to engage in regular physical activity; drink [sufficient] water; serve the correct amount of food to avoid overeating; limit the consumption of foods and drinks high in sugar, salt and fat, and snack on fresh vegetables and fruits instead of salty snacks or sugary treats,” the department said in a statement.
The department highlighted that the rise in obesity poses a serious challenge to public health worldwide, with South Africa being amongst the countries with the highest overweight and obesity rates.
According to the 2016 national survey, 68% of women and 31% of men are either overweight or obese, while 13% of children under the age of 5 are overweight.
In terms of obesity, at least 41% of women have obesity, with 20% of them falling in the severe obesity category. In contrast, only 11% of men have obesity. The prevalence of obesity among women rose from 27% in 1998 to 41% in 2016. There was very little change in obesity amongst men, with only a 2% increase during the same period.
“These worrying figures underscore the need for effective prevention interventions to address obesity and promote healthier lifestyles and setting nutrition standards for food and beverages provided in places like Early Child Development Centres, schools, community nutrition development centres and other feeding programmes,” the department said.
The department said the increased prevalence of overweight and obesity among people contributes to the onset of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and cancer, which are currently the biggest threats to health and development among populations.
Women with obesity are at increased risk of miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, induced labour, and are less likely to initiate breastfeeding. On the other hand, obese men are at a higher risk of developing cancers of the colon, rectum and erectile dysfunction.
“The words obesity and overweight are often confused and used interchangeably. However, these are two related health conditions with slightly different meanings. Overweight is when a body mass index (a value derived from the mass and height of a person) is greater than or equal to 25, whereas obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30,” the department explained.
The department said while many people exercise day and night to keep fit and healthy, it is important to know the 80/20 rule for weight loss, which emphasises that nutrition contributes 80% and routine exercise contributes only 20% when it comes to losing weight.
“This means that as long as you don’t make healthier food choices, physical activities will do less to reduce obesity.
“The department urges employers to support efforts by government and other stakeholders by creating healthy and productive working environments for employees as part of health and wellness programmes.
“This includes establishing wellness centres and serving healthier food menus in their canteens,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 11:54
Free State focuses on job creation
Free State Premier Mxolisi Dukwana says the province is hard at work to lessen the burden of unemployment.
In his State of the Province Address on Friday, Dukwana said unemployment fell from 38.5% in the third quarter of 2023 to 37% in the fourth quarter.
“Our Expanded Public Works Programme and the Presidential Employment Stimulus is a demonstration of our efforts to ignite economic growth,” he said.
Dukwana said since 2019, the province has created 282 907 work opportunities against a five-year target of 260 000 work opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
“The Presidential Employment Stimulus enabled us to benefit from the creation of 87 357 job opportunities, supporting 24 733 livelihoods and retaining 1 680 jobs in the period between April to December 2023.
“These statistics include the 6 964 Education Assistants and 8 285 General School Assistants in the Department of Education. At the core of this education programme is the placement of unemployed youth in schools.
“This further illustrates how we give practical effect to our commitment to address youth unemployment. We must strengthen the coordination and maximise our participation in this programme,” Dukwana said.
He said a strong agricultural sector is key for food security, job creation, poverty alleviation and rural development.
“Work is underway to position the Free State as the champion of the agricultural green revolution in the country. A total of 4 543 producers were trained, and 249 students graduated from the Glen Agricultural College.
“We facilitated 19 023 export certificates, 29 419 hectares of land was rehabilitated and 987 hectares was cultivated using conservation practices. This will preserve the environment and increase production of organic products.
“Work is underway to avail provincial and municipal land for youth, women, people with disabilities and military veterans for farming purposes. We will increase investment to support the commercialisation of black farmers, investment in agro-logistics infrastructure and open new markets,” he said.
Dukwana said the province is hard at work to position the Free State as the country’s central energy logistics, distribution and beneficiation hub.
“The province has immense opportunities in natural gas, solar, coal, ethanol, wind, uranium, hydropower and hydrogen to power the future of our country,” he said.
30 Years of democracy
Dukwana said with 2024 marking 30 years of freedom and democracy, there is much to take note of.
“It is a year that builds a bridge between our tragic past, encouraging present and a brighter future... With the birth of democracy, the stage was set to carve a path anchored firmly on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” Dukwana said.
The Premier said central to the democratic transformation process is improving the living conditions of South Africans and fostering shared economic growth.
“Driven by the relentless desire for a better life for all, we have over the past 30 years, invested time, resources and commitment in fighting the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality.
“The courage of our people continues to be rewarded. Their hopes and dreams continue to be the spark that impels us to even greater heights. Signs are everywhere that the Free State is a province on the move, confident in our actions and optimistic in our future trajectory.
“We are making the most of our potential, harnessing our development efforts and leaving no one behind in a Social Compact with our people,” Dukwana said. – SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 13:28
Government activities for the week 04 March to 07 March 2024
On Monday, 04 March, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Department of Justice and Correctional Services will launch the 2024 Human Rights Month at Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre.
Also on Monday, Eastern Cape Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Nonkqubela Pieters hands over industrial machines, agricultural inputs, and tools to business owners in Bathurst.
Monday also marks World Obesity Day.
From Monday, 04 March to Thursday, 7 March, the Department of Employment and Labour will be taking a basket of its services to the communities of eMalahleni Local Municipality, Mpumalanga.
On Tuesday, 05 March, the Electoral Commission will launch its annual national Civic and Democracy Education Tertiary institutions campaign to improve youth understanding and participation in the country’s democratic processes, in Limpopo.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe will deliver a keynote address at the 16th annual edition of Africa Energy Indaba in Cape Town.
On Thursday, 7 March, the District Development Model Presidential Imbizo will take place in the eMalahleni Local Municipality, Nkangala District in Mpumalanga.
Neo
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:19
Trade union Solidarity says it’s been complaining about the deplorable state of the police building for years, but to no avail
As summer wanes, South Africans are advised to always exercise caution when out and about. Skin cancer ranks as one of the most common cancers in South Africa, but what does that mean for a country with such a diverse array of skin colours? According to Functional Head: Oncology Management Dr Jenni Noble at the …
Over one million students provisionally funded by NSFAS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has received a total of 1 936 330 applications for funding, as of 16 February 2024.
Briefing the media on the registration process and payment of allowances on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said that of the 1 936 330 applications received, 1 244 854 are provisionally funded as of 1 March 2024, with 108 345 registrations received, 59 723 awaiting evaluations, and 94 816 awaiting supporting documents.
Van Staden said a total of 84 225 applications have been withdrawn by students, while 52 038 are in progress, and 136 468 are on the not-started status, as applicants only created profiles and did not submit applications.
“NSFAS has rejected 243 113 applications and 15 174 appeals have been lodged to date,” Van Staden said at a briefing held at the Government Communication and Information System in Pretoria.
The briefing comes after the applications for funding closed on 15 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme is determined to improve its systems, including applications processes, to enable a smooth and seamless application process.
The chairperson said the scheme is also committed to continue working with the South African Revenue Service (SARS) to verify the financial eligibility criteria of all the applicants, by ensuring that the consent form is submitted by non-South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) applicants.
He reiterated the call to applicants to submit accurate information when applying, as this assist in reducing the timelines to make funding decisions.
Through third party verifications, Staden said NSFAS has processed about 23 000 applications per day and has prioritised applicants who have received firm offers of admission from universities, or who were enrolled at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
Over 30 000 loan applications received
On the 2024 loan applications, Van Staden said NSFAS has received 30 728 loan applications as of 16 February 2024.
Van Staden said the scheme has pre-assessed and determined students who pre-qualify for the loan, and communication was sent to the affected students via the student portal, to confirm whether or not they were accepted for NSFAS to process their loan application.
He stressed that this is specifically for students who had applied for a bursary, but were above the income threshold for the bursary, but within the loan threshold.
“The next step would be for NSFAS to communicate with institutions, to request them to submit admission data for registered students in line with the requirements of the loan of the 70 vs 30 split in STEM [Science, technology, engineering and mathematics] and social sciences respectively.
“At the completion of this process, we envisage that a total of 31 800 missing middle students will be provided with student loans,” Van Staden explained.
The loan applications also closed on 15 February 2024. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:27
Johan Nolan, a seasoned property practitioner hailing from the scenic coastal town of Velddrif, has marked a historic milestone by becoming the first South African eXp agent to attain ICON Status. This achievement underscores Johan’s unwavering dedication and expertise in the real estate industry. Andrew Thompson, Country Leader at eXp Realty South Africa shared, “Johan …
Progress made in reforming the public service
President Cyril Ramaphosa has in his weekly newsletter to the nation, touched on the recent progress that has been made in reforming and professionalising the public service.
“Several important milestones have been reached in the last week as part of the work underway to reform and professionalise the public service. These developments are vital both to advancing the goal of a capable developmental state and give effect to recommendations of the State Capture Commission,” he said.
In his weekly newsletter on Monday, the President said the National Assembly had passed two important pieces of legislation that will improve the functioning of the public service, strengthen accountability and increase efficiency.
These bills, the Public Administration Management Amendment Bill and the Public Service Amendment Bill will now go to the National Council of Provinces for consideration.
Also, the Department of Public Service and Administration published a new directive to guide departments in implementing the framework for the professionalisation of the public service.
“This directive, together with the draft legislation, will have a far-reaching impact on the functioning of the public service. They give effect to some of our most important tasks.
“Firstly, these reforms will help ensure that the best people are appointed to the public service and that they are given support to perform effectively,” the President said.
He highlighted that the directive, for example, requires that a person can only qualify to be appointed to senior management in the public service if they have successfully completed the pre-entry programme known as Nyukela.
The course, which is provided by the National School of Government and takes about 120 hours to complete, aims to ensure that all applicants to senior management positions have the knowledge and capabilities they need to succeed. The course aims to ensure that prospective senior managers are grounded in the values of good citizenship, ethical leadership, and developmental public administration.
All shortlisted candidates must undertake two pre-entry assessments – a practical exercise that tests their competencies, and an integrity assessment that establishes their grasp of ethical principles and ability to take ethical decisions.
All new employees must undergo a compulsory induction programme within six months of appointment, and all current public servants must attend a compulsory re-orientation programme once every five years.
“To ensure continuous learning and development throughout a public servant’s career, every department must spend at least 1% of their wage bill on training. To support this effort, the draft legislation currently in Parliament establishes the National School of Government as a national department to provide education and training to employees in all spheres of government, including municipalities and public entities,” he said.
National School of Government
During the State of the Nation Address last year, President Ramaphosa announced that the National School of Government will work with the Human Sciences Research Council to undertake a skills audit in selected infrastructure and frontline services departments.
The first phase of the project has now been completed, giving valuable insights into potential critical skills gaps in these departments.
In infrastructure departments, for example, the report highlighted the need to improve knowledge of modern engineering practices, sustainable construction methods and environmental impact assessment.
“The results from the frontline services departments will support the work being done to improve the administration of public services and the quality of services provided. These skills audits have been well received and will help us to get the best that each public servant can offer.”
Work experience
Another important part of the most recent directive is that the requirement of work experience has been waived for entry level posts in the public service.
This must be accompanied by in-service training and support such as coaching and mentoring. Departments are also instructed to establish graduate recruitment schemes to attract young people leaving higher education institutions into the public service.
Political interference and delineation of powers
“Secondly, the reforms contained in the draft legislation will significantly reduce the potential for undue political interference in the administration of government,” President Ramaphosa said.
He further highlighted that the Public Service Amendment Bill makes a clear distinction between the powers of elected officials, such as Ministers, and professional public servants, such as Directors-General or Heads of Department.
The elected officials, legally defined as the Executive Authority, provides strategic and political direction, while heads of department are granted full administrative powers to run their departments.
“This clear delineation of powers will make for a more professional and efficient public service. It will also help to prevent the kind of undue political interference in the administration of the state that the State Capture Commission found sometimes enabled corruption. Another important change proposed in the legislation is to prohibit a head of department or an employee directly reporting to them from holding political office. This is to strengthen the distinction between political and administrative roles.”
Thirdly, the President said these reforms will improve coordination and accountability.
Among other things, the draft legislation will enable the transfer of public servants between national and provincial governments and municipalities.
This will help to ensure that people with technical and scarce skills and capabilities can be moved to where they will have the greatest impact. This is important for supporting municipalities, which often suffer from a shortage of skilled employees.
The draft legislation also assigns additional functions to the Director-General in the Presidency, in line with the National Development Plan, to create an administrative head of the public service to whom Directors-General would report on operational, organisational and administrative matters.
Corruption
Fourthly, the President emphasised that these reforms will strengthen the fight against corruption.
As part of the draft legislation, public servants who leave government may not, within 12 months of leaving, accept employment or appointment to the board of a service provider to which they were involved in awarding a contract.
They may not perform any paid work or receive any other payment. Service providers or employees who contravene this provision would have committed a crime and could be fined up to R1 million.
To improve accountability and tackle corruption, an inter-departmental task team has developed a central register to track all dismissals and resignations with disciplinary cases pending in national and provincial government. This register currently has over 12,000 records.
“Work is underway to include information from local government and public entities. This will prevent public servants with disciplinary records being appointed in another part of the State.
“All of these reforms will contribute to building a more effective and efficient state that is responsive and accountability. They will enable public servants to do their work without interference and with the necessary support. And they will provide impetus to our collective efforts to build a capable state that is better equipped to fundamentally transform and develop our society,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za
DikelediM
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 14:30
The vibrant Mother City is gearing up for a series of eight exciting PUMA NITRO™ RUNS leading up to the 9th annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K that is set to coincide with Mother’s Day. These runs are open to all, whether you are part of a running club or just enjoy a …
Wine lovers, mark your calendars! On the 9th of March 2024, from 12 pm to 4 pm, Cape Town’s favourite weekend market, Bay Harbour Market, brings you The Secret Vine Wine Tasting 2024 – a wine tasting experience not to be missed! For just R100 per person, indulge in a world of exquisite wines from …
Gauteng emerging farmers urged to apply for funding
Emerging farmers in the priority areas of poultry, piggery, grains, vegetables, red meat, cannabis, aquaculture, rabbit, bee farming and agri-processing have been invited to apply for funding.
This is part of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment’s efforts to grow the agricultural sector, create jobs and alleviate poverty in the province.
The CASP which closes on Friday, is informed by the department’s elevated priority focus to maintain sustainable food security in the province.
“We are making a call to the historically disadvantaged and the vulnerable groups, our women, youth and people living with disabilities to apply for the farmer support grant and become part of our relentless fight against food insecurity,” said Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Mbali Hlophe, on Sunday.
Hlophe said the farmer support programme is aimed at providing Small Medium and Micro Enterprise farmers with a much needed boost towards their farming establishments.
The relief programme is building on its previous successes which has seen an average of 250 beneficiaries per annum empowered into the mainstream economy since its establishment in 2004.
The annual subsidy is available to groups and individuals as a once-off intervention so that the department can cover a wider spectrum of beneficiaries for reasonable impact.
To remain transparent, the process takes place under the microscope of an independent evaluation and adjudication panel.
The panel consists of professionals from various fields including economists, animal scientists, crop scientists, engineers, and food scientists.
Potential beneficiaries need to meet the following conditional requirements to apply:
• Application form must be signed and dated
• Registered business on the farmers registers
• South African Certified ID (not more than three months)
• Valid confirmation of land tenure/ownership such as tittle deeds, permission to occupy land and/or minimum five years lease agreement.
• Already farming
• Farming operation’s ability to create permanent or seasonal jobs
• In cases where the Environment Impact Assessment certificate is required, such evidence must be provided.
Once all these have been met, applications may be emailed to: GDARDFARMERSUPPORT@gauteng.gov.za.
Prospective applicants can obtain forms from the following satellite offices:
SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:00
The South African Photographer of the Year competition is an annual highlight for both amateur and professional photographers, celebrating the stunning diversity and beauty of South African and African wildlife and nature. It’s a unique platform for showcasing exceptional talent and offers participants a chance to gain recognition while contributing to nature conservation. Join us …
Mpumalanga learners get bicycles
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga has handed over 455 bicycles to pupils in Mpumalanga to use for travelling to school.
Learners that benefitted from the national Shova Kalula or Ride Easy Bicycle Programme include those in Sindawonye and Kwakwari Primary, as well as Mgudlwa, Mkhephuli, Mbedlwana, Sozilani and Hlomanani Secondary Schools in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
“We hope that these means will help in them to get to and from school quicker, and that it will inspire them to pursue their educational dreams,” Chikunga said on Monday.
The national Shova Kalula or Ride Easy Bicycle Programme was initiated as a pilot project in 2001 with the purpose of promoting and maximising the use of bicycles as a low-cost mobility solution to poor communities, particularly in the rural areas.
“The Shova Kalula Programme is part of the broader learner transport programme, focusing on learners who walk less than 5 kilometre (km) and walk more than 3 km to schools. Other learners on the learner transport programme are being ferried through buses and taxis through contracts that are managed by the provinces,” the Minister said.
In addition, all provinces are implementing the National Learner Transport Policy though the National Learner Transport Programme.
“There are 900 946 learners in 5 635 schools that required learner transport to access their schools in 2023/2024 financial year. These learners have been identified by the provincial Departments of Education, which are responsible for the selection of learners to benefit from the subsidised learner transport service, in line with the National Learner Transport Policy and provincial policies,” Chikunga said.
The National Learner Transport policy recognies the deep challenges of learners who walk long distances to school, which has an adverse impact on their school attendance and performance.
“In order to deal with these mobility challenges, government has been implementing the National Learner Transport Policy to provide learners who live more than 5km [from school] with transport to school,” the Minister said.
Moloto Road
While in Mpumalanga, the Minister also conducted a site inspection of the bridge under construction along the R573 Moloto Road in the Thembisile Hani Local Municipality.
“Work on the project is progressing steadily across all the three provinces of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. The South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) team is working tirelessly to make the road safer for road users. In Mpumalanga, Work Package 2 is currently ongoing, and it is 75% complete.
“The anticipated completion date of construction for this phase is June 2024. In Limpopo, Work Package A2 is currently underway, and it is 95% complete. The anticipated completion date of construction is February 2024. In Gauteng, SANRAL is on the verge of appointing a contractor to start with works on this section of the project in 2024,” the Minister said.
SANRAL has invested R4.5billion in this project over five years.
“About 12 500 jobs are expected to be created throughout the project duration. In line with SANRAL’s Transformation Policy, the inclusion of youth- and women-owned businesses will be prioritised.
“Furthermore, the roads agency has launched a programme to empower Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), headed by people with disabilities, to form part of the construction of Moloto Road.
“Nearly R130 million has also been earmarked to train prospective contractors from designated groups, to get them to the point where they are able to submit compliant, competitive and profitable tenders for such projects,” Chikunga said.
SANRAL has introduced several additional safety interventions on the R573 to minimise crashes, paying particular attention to pedestrian safety.
“So far, we have worked on the Moloto Road in Mpumalanga and Limpopo and we hope to begin work in Gauteng this year. The spend to date is R559 million on upgrading of national road R573, Section 2, Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, Mpumalanga; and R362.8 million on upgrading of national road R573, Section 3, from Slovo to Siyabuswa, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality,” the Minister said. –SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:01
Tyhalarha village residents say a previous peaceful protest brought no results
Dear Editor President Cyril Ramaphosa’s hypocrisy on the issue of cadre deployment sunk to new depths in the newsletter he published yesterday. Over the past few weeks, Ramaphosa and his party have steadfastly defended the practice of cadre deployment, despite a mounting rebellion against this practice from across society and from inside the public sector. …
Suzuki Auto South Africa is the new naming sponsor of the legendary Griqualand West Rugby Union (GWRU), home of the Griquas. The agreement between these two well-loved brands was signed at a special gala dinner hosted by the GWRU for Suzuki Auto at their home stadium in Kimberley on 1 March. The team will now …
The use of large amounts of recycled rubber crumb for the manufacture of road surfaces and related products is propelling South Africa towards a circular economy. Waste products are usefully used to address key infrastructure needs, says Dr Mehran Zarrebini, CEO of Hammarsdale-based radial truck tyre recycler, Mathe Group The company recycles approximately 1 000 …
Western Cape Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen is thrilled that the first payout, amounting to R 3 000.00, for reporting an illegal firearm was made on 28 February 2024. The recipient, who for security reasons cannot be named, reported the illegal firearm in early December 2023 at the Gansbaai South African …
Institutions submit registration data to NSFAS
Twenty-nine institutions that have submitted registration data for catch up payment for the 2024 academic year allowances, will be paid by Friday, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The acting Chairperson of the NSFAS, Professor Lourens Van Staden, said following delays in the 2024 academic year, mainly due to registration, the NSFAS board took a decision to request institutions in the interim to operate as a channel to pay the February and March allowances.
“Communication was therefore sent to all universities notifying them of this decision. We also sent another communication to indicate the 2024 academic year allowances type distribution channel.
“Financial aid managers were asked to confirm the universities allowances payment commitment dates. For Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, we will be paying through the direct payment channel,” Van Staden said on Monday.
To support institutions and students, Van Staden said the scheme made two upfront payments to all institutions, including the first upfront payment, which was disbursed on 31 January with the second upfront payment disbursed on 29 February 2024.
“These upfront payments were made to institutions for them to use the funds to distribute students’ allowances. The majority of institutions committed to paying students from the last week of February 2024,” Van Staden said at a media briefing held in Pretoria.
The first upfront payment was administered to cover the book allowance which was calculated at half of the 2023 academic year cost.
The payment included funds to cover one month of accommodation costs. For medical students, provision was made for two months’ worth of allowances, to assist select institutions that registered medical students whose academic year starts in January.
The second upfront payment includes book allowances, which is calculated for the second half of the 2024 academic year based on the 2023 payments made; accommodation allowances to cover the accommodation allowances for the second month (March) of the 2024 academic year; transport allowances, which is calculated to cover February 2024 allowance.
The NSFAS advanced an upfront payment to both universities and TVET colleges.
For universities, Van Staden said the NSFAS disbursed R2.8 billion in January 2024.
The chairperson noted that this disbursement does not include the calculation of the tranche payments, which “NSFAS will disburse at the beginning of April 2024.”
“This upfront payment covers one month of student accommodation and the book allowance. The book allowance is calculated at half of the total cost, whilst the accommodation is calculated as one month of the accommodation cost.
“For TVET colleges, a total of R580150 950.00 was paid to colleges as tuition upfront in January 2024. An additional R1 billion is earmarked for three months’ worth of allowances to be paid based on registration from the January-March period,” he explained.
He emphasised that all the upfront payments are meant to enable institutions to register all NSFAS-approved students for the 2024 academic year.
“We all know that in February, the university sector commences with its registration. This means that by the time the first payment is made (usually at the beginning of February), the majority of the students have already registered and are already attending classes.
“This is the reason why the board ensured that the upfront payments are inclusive of the registration period commencing in January for medical students in the university sector.”
He further explained that NSFAS requested institutions to pay allowances for both February and March due to challenges experienced at the beginning of the 2024 academic year, which led to delays in receiving registration data from institutions.
He said institutions were also requested to allow direct payment service providers to conduct the process of onboarding students, whilst they continue with payments.
“The direct payments of allowance for the 2024 academic year will commence in April 2024 and institutions will administer the payment of allowances for only two months (February and March) because the third allowance will be made on the direct payment platform. No exceptions or deviations will be allowed.”
Van Staden has encouraged all other institutions to submit registration data, to enable NSFAS to make a catch-up payment. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Mon, 03/04/2024 - 15:12