The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training, Mr Tebogo Letsie, has noted the damning Office of the Public Protector report relating to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the improper funding of students.
According to the report, approximately 40 000 students across 76 higher education institutions were improperly funded to a value of R5.1 billion. The amount emanates from Special Investigating Unit (SIU) investigation in terms of proclamation R88 of 2022.
Mr Letsie said the Public Protector’s findings were concerning, but not entirely surprising, given the persistent governance, administrative and system challenges at NSFAS.
“The amount involved is astronomical. R5.1 billion is not a small amount, and we cannot treat this matter as just another administrative failure. These weaknesses have real consequences for students, particularly those from poor and vulnerable households who depend on NSFAS to access and remain in higher education,” said Mr Letsie.
Mr Letsie said student should not have to bear the consequences of governance failures and administrative weaknesses in an institution that exists to support their education. “We have said repeatedly that NSFAS must put students first. Students cannot be left to suffer while those entrusted with the administration of the scheme are preoccupied with governance disputes and boardroom squabbles. The focus must be on ensuring that students receive the support they are entitled to, and that public funds are properly managed,” said Mr Letsie.
Mr Letsie said the recently restored NSFAS Board must take the findings seriously and move with urgency to address the weaknesses identified.
“I hope the restored Board is paying close attention to these findings. It must act swiftly to strengthen governance, improve systems and ensure proper accountability for every rand entrusted to NSFAS. We cannot continue to have the same failures year after year,” said Mr Letsie.
Mr Letsie said the committee will abide by the recommendations from the Public Protector giving the committee 30 days to process the report and secure Parliament’s approval before submitting it to the Public Protector.
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