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You are here: Home / Archives for data

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29 September 2023

Lessons for SMEs to navigate the current challenging environment

Location: MyPR

As part of the SME Matters series, co-hosted by Business Day and Nedbank, panellists unpacked what Covid-19 taught them about surviving in an uncertain world. The panellists were Alan Shannon, Executive of Small Business Services and Private Clients at Nedbank, Raghmah Solomon, founder of Vortex Design Solutions, a design and project manager company, and Greg …

Read moreLessons for SMEs to navigate the current challenging environment
29 September 2023

Fresh water fishers demand formal recognition of their livelihoods

Location: News

Masifundise inland fisheries report says sector needs government help

Read moreFresh water fishers demand formal recognition of their livelihoods
28 September 2023

Addressing the unemployment challenge

Location: News

Addressing the unemployment challenge

Whether young or old, unemployment is a thorn in the flesh of many South Africans, writes Neo Semono.

Whether in our families or within our circle of friends, many of us know someone who is without a job. The situation is so dire that we may even know more than one individual who does not have a job, and it is not due to the lack of trying nor to the lack of qualifications.

Those who are unemployed want to wake up in the morning to go and make an honest living for themselves and their loved ones. Through their work, they also want to make a difference in the country that they live in.

Recent data has shown that the country’s joblessness rate has come down slightly. Statistics South Africa’s Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) has shown that the unemployment rate decreased from 32.9% in the first quarter to 32.6% in the second quarter of 2023.

Granted, the figure is marginal - but 154 000 new jobs were created in the second quarter, taking the number of employed persons to 16.3 million - a flicker of hope for those who may have given up on finding work.

Finding a job is hard and is further exacerbated by the costs that job seekers may not be able to cover. In the quest to find jobs, money is borrowed to visit internet cafes to search and apply for work, to printout CVs and to drop off said applications at prospective employer’s offices.

Having altered the CV more times than one can remember, and filing out more online applications and Z83 forms, hope and confidence take a knock when one does not get that invitation to a job interview.

While that hope is sometimes on shaky ground, South Africans don’t quit. Instead, they make a plan, even if it means taking on any job to make ends meet. Some go on to start innovative businesses that change their local landscapes while also giving jobs and training to others in their respective communities.

This speaks to the innate resilience of the people of this country in that individuals not only deviate from their original life plan, but that they also give work opportunities to others who may not have had the opportunity to put a foot in the door of larger establishments minus the required skills.

While one will always find fault with government, it cannot resolve the unemployment challenge on its own. And while it should have done better in tackling it, it is doing something about it.

This includes the employment of people with disabilities. Through the Presidential Working Group on Disability, government is working on increasing funding for disability-related programmes and services. This includes funding for the education, training and employment of people with disabilities.

Well aware of the unemployment problem particularly around the youth, government has put in place the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI). Through the initiative announced in 2020, at least 135 000 earning opportunities were secured by young people.

The Department of Employment and Labour--which has labour offices across the country-- offers tips on how to find a job and how to fill out the Z83 form. It also has career counsellors to assist job seekers in preparing for interviews and other career related services for free.

Mobile employment centres are also available to assist work seekers to sign up for the Employment Services System of South Africa (ESSA) which is a platform where work seekers are matched with available job opportunities for free.

Other government initiatives to get particularly young people into work include the Gauteng government’s Nasi Ispan ("Here is work") mass recruitment programme that aims to get thousands of young people into state jobs.

The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) which has been in existence for close to two decades continues to make a difference in people’s lives. It provides an important avenue for labour-absorption and income to poor households in the short to medium-term.

The implementation of government plans is also making an impact with the Poultry Masterplan which contributed to the creation of 750 jobs at a Rainbow Chicken facility.

The adoption of the masterplan saw government implement several measures to safeguard the local industry including placing anti-dumping duties on imported poultry.

This is the same Rainbow Chicken which in 2017 closed its operations in Hammarsdale and retrenched over a thousand workers.

The adoption of the plan was also coupled with increased investment and measures to transform the industry has led to success with the company reopening and investing R220 million.

Government is not just talking the talk; it is also putting in the work for its people who have a never say die attitude. –SAnews.gov.za

 

Neo
Thu, 09/28/2023 - 10:40

60 views
Read moreAddressing the unemployment challenge
28 September 2023

Early Childhood Development Programmes Should Be Free

Location: News

Only a third of children in SA are enrolled in ECD programmes

Read moreEarly Childhood Development Programmes Should Be Free
27 September 2023

Decoding SEO Pricing: Is SEO a Monthly Fee

Location: MyPR

In the realm of digital marketing, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) stands as a cornerstone. As businesses strive to enhance their online footprint, understanding the financial commitment involved becomes paramount. A frequently posed question is the nature of SEO pricing, particularly if it’s a recurring monthly expense. So, when considering collaboration with seo services south africa, …

Read moreDecoding SEO Pricing: Is SEO a Monthly Fee
27 September 2023

Latest census results to be announced 10 October

Location: News

Stats SA blames Covid for long delay in completing fourth national enumeration since democracy

Read moreLatest census results to be announced 10 October
27 September 2023

Russia Gosloto: A Fresh Perspective on Lottery Excitement

Location: MyPR

Lottery games have captivated the imaginations of people worldwide for centuries. In Russia, one lottery game stands out for its unique features and daily draws: the Russia Gosloto. But what makes this lottery game so special? Let’s delve into the intricacies of Russia’s most popular lottery game. What Makes Gosloto Unique? Russia Gosloto offers a …

Read moreRussia Gosloto: A Fresh Perspective on Lottery Excitement
26 September 2023

Charting the Academic Path: Subjects Needed for Software Development in South Africa

Location: MyPR

In the digital age, software development stands as one of the most sought-after careers. South Africa, with its burgeoning tech industry, is no exception. For those aspiring to dive into this dynamic field, understanding the academic prerequisites can be a game-changer.   Embarking on the Software Development Journey Choosing a career in software development is …

Read moreCharting the Academic Path: Subjects Needed for Software Development in South Africa
26 September 2023

Navigating the AWS Ecosystem: From Marketplace to Partnerships

Location: MyPR

The digital transformation wave has ushered in a plethora of tools and platforms designed to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and foster innovation. At the forefront of this revolution is Amazon Web Services (AWS). With its vast array of services, AWS has become an indispensable tool for businesses worldwide. One of its standout offerings is the …

Read moreNavigating the AWS Ecosystem: From Marketplace to Partnerships
26 September 2023

The Future of Transactions: Embracing Contactless Payments

Location: MyPR

In today’s fast-paced digital era, convenience and security are paramount, especially when it comes to financial transactions. Traditional payment methods, while still widely used, are gradually being overshadowed by more modern, efficient, and secure alternatives. One such advancement that’s been gaining traction is the contactless payment system.   Imagine being at a bustling cafe during …

Read moreThe Future of Transactions: Embracing Contactless Payments
24 September 2023

UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre

Location: News

UIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre

The Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF) has dispatched a task team to the Bellville Labour Centre to intervene in concerns that have come to light through a media article about UIF payments and related matters at the centre.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said on Friday: “We need to have a thorough understanding of the specific issues on the ground so that we can intervene swiftly. It bothers me when I hear that workers are struggling to get what is due to them. Whatever the issue, it will be addressed. I will take it upon myself to see to it.”

The fund said the task team, which is from the UIF head office in Pretoria, is expected to “establish facts and submit a report to [Maruping] within a week”.

“In recent times, the UIF has introduced various mechanisms to improve customer experience, including mobile buses, queue management, kiosks, online application platforms, free Wi-Fi at all labour centres, a data free mobile application, as well as a free USSD platform that can be used on any mobile device from anywhere,” the fund said. – SAnews.gov.za

NeoB
Sun, 09/24/2023 - 14:52

55 views
Read moreUIF task team to intervene in Belville Labour Centre
22 September 2023

Be cautious of cybercrime

Location: News

Be vigilant of cybercrime

Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, has called on the public to be wary of cybercriminals targeting unsuspecting individuals on various social media platforms.

 “The public must be aware of cybercriminals, who target unsuspecting individuals on various social media platforms with the purpose of causing harm, demanding ransoms and scamming,” the MEC said on Thursday.

This follows the kidnapping of a University of the Witwatersrand student on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

The student was reported missing by his roommate on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

According to reports, the student was lured to the suspects through the dating site, Grindr. The suspects demanded an amount of R30 000 from the student’s family for his safe return.

A team comprising members from Gauteng Crime Intelligence, Organised Crime Investigations, Hillbrow Detectives, Johannesburg Trio Detectives, Johannesburg Metro Police K9, security companies - including Vision Tactical, JT VIP, CAP Security, Fidelity Strategic Team - and Cellular Data Investigation, operationalised the information that led them to an ATM, where one of the suspects was expected to withdraw the ransom money on the M2 Road. 

The police held an observation and placed the suspect under arrest as soon as he arrived. He then led the team to Denver Men's Hostel, where the victim, aged 18, was found bound and unconscious.

Seven suspects were arrested, while three knives and the student’s personal items were also recovered. The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Gauteng, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has commended the swift response by a multi-disciplinary team for the rescue.

The MEC commended the rescue team for their efforts.

 “I would like to commend the heroic law enforcement officials, who carried out the rescue operation. The successful apprehension of the suspects is a result of collaborative efforts by various law enforcement agencies and private security companies,” said MEC Mazibuko. – SAnews.gov.za

Neo
Fri, 09/22/2023 - 09:38

576 views
Read moreBe cautious of cybercrime
22 September 2023

On World Rhino Day, The United States (U.S.) Celebrates its Propitious Conservation Partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Government of Namibia

Location: News

U.S. Embassy in Namibia
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The population of black rhinos declined dramatically in the 20th century at the hands of European hunters and settlers. Between 1960 and 1995, black rhino numbers dropped by a sobering 98%, to less than 2,500 individuals. Since then, the species has made a tremendous comeback from the brink of extinction. Thanks to persistent conservation efforts across Africa, black rhino numbers have doubled from their historic low 20 years ago to more than 6,000 today. However, the black rhino is still considered critically endangered, and a lot of work remains to bring their population up to even a fraction of what it once was—and to ensure that it stays there. Wildlife crime—in this case, poaching of rhinos for the illegal international market for their horns—continues to plague the species and threaten its recovery.

The Namibian government and its partners in conservation, including communal conservancies have been at the cutting edge of efforts to relocate, protect and expand the range of rhinos in the country. While the threat of poaching persists, the impact of these efforts is dramatic. Namibia is now home to the largest population of black rhino left on earth.

TACKLING WILDLIFE CRIME

Poaching remains the deadliest and most urgent threat to black rhinos. WWF is working with government agencies, local communities and other partners in Namibia, Kenya, and South Africa to support law enforcement agencies, develop and build on innovative tech solutions, and equip and train rangers to stop poachers.

In Namibia, WWF, with support from the USAID funded Combatting Wildlife Crime Project and INL projects, is working across sectors, agencies, and borders to help implement the country's ambitious law enforcement strategy to combat wildlife trafficking. WWF also supports the Namibian government in the implementation of its national black rhino strategy, in part by moving rhinos from parks with significant populations to other areas that historically held rhinos but currently do not—a process known as translocation. WWF is also working with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and other conservation partners to protect both black and white rhinos, including the maintenance of a comprehensive DNA databank used for forensic investigations and research, and the use of sniffer dogs.

PROTECTING AND MANAGING KEY POPULATIONS

WWF supports aerial population surveys at key sites such as Etosha National Park in Namibia. The surveys are critical for evaluating breeding success, deterring poachers, and monitoring rhino mortality. WWF is also working with partners to develop and implement cutting-edge technologies in range states to closely monitor key populations. When paired with boots-on-the-ground, innovative solutions like electronic identification and tracking tags, radio and satellite collars, night vision cameras, and camera traps provide critical data that is used to make important decisions for black rhino populations going forward.

COMMUNITY-BASED CONSERVATION

Namibia was the first African country to incorporate protection of the environment into its constitution. In 1996, the new Namibian government granted communities the right to create conservancies — areas with defined borders and governance and management structures outside of parks — where communities have the right to manage and benefit from their natural resources. With long-term support from IRDNC, NNF, SRT, WWF and other NACSO partners, robust conservation efforts including community game guards, monitoring, community engagement campaigns, partnerships between the communities and private sector tourism, and translocation projects, which relocate species into new habitats so that they have more space to breed, have made enriched landscapes and lives in rural Namibia.

On World Rhino Day, we join our Namibian partners in recognizing their efforts to protect black rhinos – against tremendous odds. Not only does Namibia have the largest population of black rhinos in the world, but communal conservancies have allowed rhinos to roam free, outside of national parks. These communal conservancies—working with the government, nonprofit organizations and others—have restored populations of black rhinos, creating a rhino-based economy that benefits both people and wildlife!

For more information on WWF Programs in Namibia, visit https://www.wwfnamibia.org.

For more information on U.S. global climate and environmental priorities, visit Climate and Environment – United States Department of State.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Namibia.

Read moreOn World Rhino Day, The United States (U.S.) Celebrates its Propitious Conservation Partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Government of Namibia
22 September 2023

Education Minister promised libraries for all schools by 29 November – but there’s no chance that deadline will be met

Location: News

Three quarters of public schools still don’t have libraries, in spite of a 2013 promise

Read moreEducation Minister promised libraries for all schools by 29 November – but there’s no chance that deadline will be met
21 September 2023

The Power of High-Quality Distribution Boards: A Comprehensive Guide

Location: MyPR

Introduction: In the world of electrical systems and power distribution, the backbone of safety and efficiency lies in the quality and design of distribution boards (DBs). Whether you’re working on residential or industrial projects, the choice of distribution boards can make a significant difference. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the importance of high-quality distribution …

Read moreThe Power of High-Quality Distribution Boards: A Comprehensive Guide
21 September 2023

Repo rate remains unchanged

Location: News

Repo rate remains unchanged

Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has announced that the repo rate will remain unchanged at 8.25%.

Kganyago made the announcement in Pretoria on Thursday after a meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC).

He said South Africa’s load shedding has increased and prices for commodity exports continue to weaken. In the near term, stronger El Niño conditions threaten the agricultural outlook, while global climatic events present additional risks.

“Energy and logistical constraints remain binding on the growth outlook, limiting economic activity and increasing costs,” said the Governor.

The GDP growth forecast for 2024 and 2025 is unchanged from the previous meeting, at 1.0% and 1.1%, respectively.

Kganyago said oil prices have increased in recent months and commodity export prices have moderated further.

“South Africa’s external financing needs will increase as the current account deficit expands from a forecasted 2.0% of GDP this year (from 1.9%), to 3.0% of GDP in 2024 and to 3.4% of GDP in 2025.

“Sharply lower tax revenue, higher employee compensation and ongoing financing needs of state-owned enterprises are expected to keep the long-term cost of borrowing elevated. Despite the forecasted moderation of inflation, long-term bond yields currently trade around 12.6%.

“The rand has weakened over the past year, depreciating by about 10% year to date against the US dollar, and is showing high volatility in response to risk-on and risk-off episodes. The implied starting point for the rand forecast is R18.45 to the US dollar, compared with R18.13 at the time of the previous meeting.”

The trajectory of South Africa’s headline inflation rate has been shaped primarily by fuel and food prices.

“Risks to the inflation outlook are assessed to the upside. At a global level, headline inflation continues to moderate, but food price inflation remains high, oil markets have tightened significantly, and core inflation looks sticky.

“Despite recent easing in some food price components, domestic food price inflation was still elevated at 8% in August and the risk of drier weather conditions in coming months has increased.

“We expect food price inflation to moderate further in the near term, but with high risk that it picks up later in 2024. In the absence of sustained increases in energy supply, electricity prices continue to present clear inflation risks.

“Load-shedding and logistics constraints may also have broader effects on the cost of doing business and the cost of living. Given uncertain fuel and food price inflation, considerable risk still attaches to the forecast for average salaries.”

He said sticky inflation implies that average interest rates in major economies will remain high. As a result, tighter global financial conditions are likely to persist, raising the risk profile of economies needing foreign capital.

“Against this backdrop, the MPC decided to keep the repurchase rate at its current level of 8.25% per year,” he announced.

Three members of the committee preferred to keep rates on hold and two preferred an increase of 25 basis points.

“At the current repurchase rate level, policy is restrictive, consistent with the inflation outlook and elevated inflation expectations. Serious upside risks to the inflation outlook remain,” said Kganyago.

He added that decisions will continue to be data dependent and sensitive to the balance of risks to the outlook.

The next statement of the Monetary Policy Committee will be released on 23 November 2023. – SAnews.gov.za

Janine
Thu, 09/21/2023 - 15:39

169 views
Read moreRepo rate remains unchanged
21 September 2023

Africa among regions with highest number of industrial systems under attack in the first half of 2023

Location: News
Kaspersky

Malicious objects of all types were detected and blocked on 34% of Industrial Control System (ICS) computers in the first half of 2023, according to the ICS CERT landscape report (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719) by Kaspersky (www.Kaspersky.co.za). In Africa over this period attacks were detected on 40,3% of ICS computers, placing it in first place among the other regions. The top industries under attack were energy (45,9%), engineering & integration (44%) and building automation (40%). All these attacks were blocked after detection.

ICS computers are used in oil & gas, energy, automotive manufacturing, building automation infrastructures and other spheres to perform a range of operational technology (OT) functions – from the workstations of engineers and operators to supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) servers and Human Machine Interface (HMI). Cyberattacks on industrial computers are considered to be extremely dangerous as they may cause material losses and production downtime for the controlled production line and even the facility as a whole. Moreover, industrial enterprises put out of service can seriously undermine a region's social welfare, ecology and macroeconomics.

An analysis of the most significant and targeted threats detected on ICS computers in selected countries of Africa in the first half of 2023 shows that the threat landscape can vary between countries and between industries due to the differences in the security maturity of different countries/industries and the current focus of threat actors. In South Africa in the first half of 2023 malware was detected and blocked on 29,1% of ICS computers, in Nigeria on 32,6%, in Kenya on 34,5% of machines.

There are different types of cyberthreats that OT-related computers face – malicious scripts, spy trojans, worms, ransomware, and others. In the first half of 2023 Africa had the highest percentage of ICS computers on which spyware was blocked (9,8%). The Middle East and Southeast Asia had similarly high percentages (8,3% and 8,1%). The global average stands at 6,1%. 

Africa was also the region with the highest percentage of ICS computers (14,8%) on which attacks from denylisted Internet resources were blocked (these are web resources associated with distributing or controlling malware). The global average is 11,3%.

Viruses and worms spread across ICS networks by means of removable media, shared folders, infected files, such as backups, and network attacks on outdated software. The percentage of ICS computers on which worms were detected was very high in Africa (7% vs. 2,3% global average), making this region the leader by percentage of ICS computers on which threats were detected after removable devices were connected.

“Africa's industrial landscape is diverse, ranging from large-scale mining operations to small-scale agriculture. This means that ICS cybersecurity solutions need to be adaptable to various sectors and technologies. In some regions, legacy ICS systems that lack modern security features are still in use. These systems are often more vulnerable to cyberthreats and require significant upgrades. Lastly, some critical infrastructure in Africa is located in remote areas with limited connectivity, which can make it difficult to monitor and secure ICS assets effectively,” comments Evgeny Goncharov, Head of Kaspersky ICS CERT. “By understanding these risks, organisations can make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and efficiently fortify their defenses. In doing so, they not only protect their bottom line but also contribute to a safer and more secure digital ecosystem for all.”

Read more about the ICS threat landscape in the first half of 2023 on the Kaspersky ICS CERT website (https://apo-opa.info/3LwG719).

To keep your OT computers protected from various threats, Kaspersky experts recommend:

  • Conducting regular security assessments of OT systems to identify and eliminate possible cyber security issues.
  • Establishing continuous vulnerability assessment and triage as a basement for effective vulnerability management process. Dedicated solutions like Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity (https://apo-opa.info/451Yguw) may become an efficient assistant and a source of unique actionable information, not fully available in public.
  • Performing timely updates for the key components of the enterprise's OT network; applying security fixes and patches or implementing compensating measures as soon as it is technically possible is crucial for preventing a major incident that might cost millions due to the interruption of the production process.
  • Using EDR solutions such as Kaspersky Endpoint Detection and Response (https://apo-opa.info/3OsQQvs) for timely detection of sophisticated threats, investigation, and effective remediation of incidents.
  • Improving the response to new and advanced malicious techniques by building and strengthening your teams' incident prevention, detection, and response skills. Dedicated OT security trainings for IT security teams and OT personnel is one of the key measures helping to achieve this.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kaspersky.

For further information please contact:
Nicole Allman | INK&Co.
nicole@inkandco.co.za

Social Media:
Facebook: https://apo-opa.info/3M3uy0L
Twitter: https://apo-opa.info/3OaLeGw
YouTube: https://apo-opa.info/41wO7V6
Instagram: https://apo-opa.info/42BZnRq
Blog: https://apo-opa.info/42Apbxn

About Kaspersky:
Kaspersky is a global cybersecurity and digital privacy company founded in 1997. Kaspersky's deep threat intelligence and security expertise is constantly transforming into innovative solutions and services to protect businesses, critical infrastructure, governments and consumers around the globe. The company's comprehensive security portfolio includes leading endpoint protection, specialized security products and services, as well as Cyber Immune solutions to fight sophisticated and evolving digital threats. Over 400 million users are protected by Kaspersky technologies and we help over 220,000 corporate clients protect what matters most to them. Learn more at www.Kaspersky.co.za.  

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Read moreAfrica among regions with highest number of industrial systems under attack in the first half of 2023
21 September 2023

Rugby World Cup and Crypto: Two Worlds, Same Principles

Location: MyPR

What does rugby have to do with cryptocurrency? Well, unless you’re using it to buy tickets to watch the Bokke game or merchandise, the correlation may seem tenuous. Until you look at how this exceptionally strategic, dynamic and uniting sport provides all the guidelines every investor should have in place before making any financial decisions. …

Read moreRugby World Cup and Crypto: Two Worlds, Same Principles
20 September 2023

NSFAS makes headway in direct payment solution

Location: News

NSFAS makes headway in direct payment solution

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has made strides in the implementation of its Student-Centred Model.

The Student-Centred Model is aimed at the implementation of the NSFAS direct payment solution, known as the NSFAS Bank Account, and the development of the NSFAS Student Accommodation Portal.

Briefing media on developments at NSFAS on Tuesday, Nzimande said the Student-Centre Model is premised on an approach that places the needs of students at the heart of the scheme’s operations. It also aims to streamline all processes that affect the disbursement of funds for tuition, transport, food and accommodation. 

The Minister said 509 220 claims, with a total of R40 billion, have been received from university students, and out of this, an amount of R29.6 billion has already been paid to 491 457.

“There are 23 389 students with exceptions that we are currently funding. These exceptions occur when NSFAS cannot confirm the funding pathway or funding rules are not complied with, as per submitted registration records. 

“The biggest exceptions relate to institutions claiming incorrectly by including meals yet they are catered by institution. This means it is double dipping, which must be attended to,” Nzimande said.

NSFAS has also received 250 548 claims from Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students to the value of R6.8 billion, with R4.8 billion already being paid to 209 352 students. 

Nzimande reiterated his call to all beneficiaries, who have not been on-boarded (registered) or converted onto the new payment system, to urgently register in order to enable NSFAS to pay their allowances without any further delay. 

According to data, 90% to 99% universities’ students have been onboarded. This exclude the University of South Africa (UNISA), which stands at 67%, and the University of Fort Hare at 56%.

Nzimande said the NSFAS institutional support teams will extensively focus their attention in all institutions whose percentages are low so that they improve on their onboarding processes. 

“The team will continue to hold bi-weekly meetings with the institutions’ finance offices and the direct payment partners so that institutions have a platform to raise the challenges and areas of clarity, where both NSFAS and the partners are present.

“In relation to our TVET colleges, the process of onboarding continues, as they have multiple academic terms,” Nzimande said.

Bank charges

Regarding bank charges to student accounts, Nzimande said he has directed NSFAS to relook the entire bank charges regime to find possible measures to further reduce bank charges for the beneficiaries. 

“I have been briefed that NSFAS negotiated for a R12 monthly bank charge, which excludes money transfer costs to other banks. I will await the NSFAS board final determination in this regard.

“I have been assured by the NSFAS board that reports that NSFAS disbursed incorrect amounts to beneficiaries are misleading and untrue. However, should it happen that such instances may have occurred, I urge the affected students to immediately report these to NSFAS,” Nzimande said.

Warning to students inappropriately benefitting from NSFAS

Meanwhile, Nzimande has issued a stern warning to students, who are inappropriately benefitting from the scheme.

He said the appropriate criminal and legal action must be taken against anyone found defrauding the system. – SAnews.gov.za

GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 09:46

526 views
Read moreNSFAS makes headway in direct payment solution
20 September 2023

NSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students

Location: News

NSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students

Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will continue its collaborative work with other government entities to verify all applications for funding.

Nzimande said the scheme is working with the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Department of Home Affairs to verify information submitted by students applying for funding.  

A report from the NSFAS Board shows that 45 927 students were correctly or erroneously disqualified for funding due to processing gaps, which fall under three broad categories. The three categories include Hybrid Applications, Missing Parental Relationships, and Latency Data from the Higher Education Information Management System (HEMIS). 

Hybrid Applications are continuing students who applied, while Missing Parental Relationships are first-time entering students, who were previously funded and later rejected because of additional parental relationships that were verified, based on additional information sourced from government agencies. 

On Hybrid Applications, Nzimande said, the report shows that about 14 703 records were continuing students who applied erroneously because of migrating from the old to the new system, and in some instances, it was students panicking because they did not see their funding status and applied for funding. 

“I can confirm that all these students are now funded. The balance of 31 224 students remains not funded and this is due to the assessment of financial eligibility, as NSFAS continues to pick up additional parental relationships and academic ineligibility,” Nzimande reported at a briefing on Tuesday. 

On the Missing Parental Relationships, Nzimande noted that some students had initially declared one parent or the “incorrect” parent, who was not picked up by the Department of Home Affairs, and as such, a decision was made to initially fund the student. 

“However, based on review of this trend, through a relationship matrix that is built internally at NSFAS, we established additional parental relationship of students. This was exposed to SARS verification and SARS came with the feedback that the combined family income of these families exceeds the threshold. This led to the discontinuation of funding for some of the students. 

“Another criterion is the Academic Eligibility review, which was incomplete due to the delays in data received from HEMIS and this impacted the N+Rule (the number of years students will receive funding to obtain a qualification),” the Minister said.

Over 170 000 appeals received

Nzimande said NSFAS has received a total of 178 426 appeals due to the disqualifications, and these include 63 331 appeals that were approved and 8 528 that were rejected. 

“Out of these 178 426 appeals received, 30 712 were invalid appeals, meaning students either withdrew or their appeals were duplicated. Then there are 41 438 appeals that required the submission of external dependencies, such as submission of documentation. 

“About 20 908 are awaiting supporting document appeals, meaning the student submitted incorrect documents at the time of appeal and were requested to provide further documents. In addition, 20 530 students, through results from Higher Education and Training and our institutions, indicate that they did not progress. Students appealed the decision and indicated that they have passed,” Nzimande explained. 

The Minister said 11 284 appeals are currently in evaluation, which are assigned to a case worker to process each appeal. 

He assured that all the appeals will be attended to urgently. – SAnews.gov.za

 

GabiK
Wed, 09/20/2023 - 10:51

334 views
Read moreNSFAS collaborates with government agencies to identify unqualifying students
20 September 2023

Apple Music announces Cassper Nyovest as the featured artist for this month’s Rap Life Africa as he releases 7th studio album ‘Solomon’

Location: Entertainment, MyPR

Apple Music’s Rap Life Radio, presented by Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden will feature South African superstar, chart-topping rapper and business man Cassper Nyovest on this week’s episode. Ebro and Africa Now Radio host, Nandi Madida, chat about his latest single “018” feat. Maglera Doe Boy which is available to stream …

Read moreApple Music announces Cassper Nyovest as the featured artist for this month’s Rap Life Africa as he releases 7th studio album ‘Solomon’
20 September 2023

RICA bill misses the chance for real reform

Location: News

As Concourt deadline approaches, there are still too many loopholes in the law that allow privacy rights to be infringed

Read moreRICA bill misses the chance for real reform
18 September 2023

Streamlining Business Operations with Comprehensive Document Solutions

Location: MyPR

In the digital age, managing the ever-expanding universe of documents is a challenge businesses face daily. Enter a comprehensive document solution that caters to a wide range of industries, offering streamlined processes and increased efficiency. In this blog, we explore the diverse applications of this solution across various sectors.   Logistics (POD): Tracking and Delivery …

Read moreStreamlining Business Operations with Comprehensive Document Solutions
18 September 2023

No identity document, no life

Location: News

Home Affairs in court over profound damage caused by its practice of “blocking” IDs

Read moreNo identity document, no life
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