80% of NSFAS Students Are First Years
Many students drop out or find alternative funding
NSFAS
SASSA Suspends 70,000 Grant Payments in Crackdown
Close to 400,000 beneficiaries notified their social grants are under review as oversight tightens
Where Has All Our Money Gone? A Look at Government’s Wasted Billions
Auditor-General has condemned “no-consequence culture” in government
Dunoon Artist Brightens Children’s Lives
Sibusiso Dube has livened up the local library, mentored teens and earned acclaim for his graphite portraits
The Gamble Generation: NSFAS, Quick Wins, and Lost Purpose
Recent reports revealing that some students are using their NSFAS allowances to gamble online are not only tragic, they are symptomatic of a far deeper crisis.
The post THE GAMBLE GENERATION: NSFAS, QUICK WINS, AND LOST PURPOSE appeared first on For Good.
UFS and Fort Hare Burn While Akademia Builds
Akademia’s launch of its Paarl campus on Wednesday serves as concrete commentary on the recent destruction of academic facilities at two established South African universities. At the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Qwa-Qwa campus and Fort Hare’s Dikeni (Alice) campus, students expressed their dissatisfaction by destroying infrastructure. One of the constant causes of unrest […]
The post Higher Education: UFS and Fort Hare burn while Akademia builds appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Campus Violence: How the ANC’s Racial Politics Has Misled Our Youth
The Freedom Front Plus Youth (VF Plus-jeug) strongly condemns the ongoing unrest and vandalism on campuses of the University of the Free State (UFS) fuelled by students claiming that the new financial policy is racially discriminatory, despite clear communication regarding the matter from the University. The University clearly stated that the new arrangements regarding outstanding […]
The post Campus violence shows how ANC’s racial politics has misled youth appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Buildings Torched During University of the Free State Protests
Students angry at changes to registration system
Historic Fort Hare Buildings Torched During Student Protests
They are demanding the immediate resignation of Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu
College Tries to Evict 27 Families to Make Way for Students
At a protest Ekurhuleni West students demanded the eviction of the families in “24 hours”
Students March in Germiston Over Unpaid NSFAS Fees
They are demanding that the Ekurhuleni West TVET College intervene to help desperate students
Nkabane Removal: Accountability or Merely a Calculated Move?
In two notable statements, the Presidency recently announced that Mr Buti Manamela has been promoted from Deputy Minister of Higher Education to Minister, and that Dr Nobuhle Nkabane thanks South Africa for the opportunity she had to serve in this role. It is still unclear where the ANC will deploy her next – or whether […]
The post Nkabane removed from Higher Education: accountability or merely a calculated move? appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
President Dismisses Proposals to Make South Africa a Winning Country
(Budget Vote Debate: Presidency) Since its inception in 1994, the Freedom Front Plus (VF Plus) has been part of every Parliament, and has always maintained a constructive and positive approach. We will continue in this same vein, because we must find solutions to secure a better future for all. So, it is counterproductive when President […]
The post President needs to take note of Freedom Front Plus proposals to make South Africa a winning country appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
MPs Not Impressed With New SASSA Verification Process
Treasury may withhold funds if SASSA does not meet its conditions
Youth Day: We Are Not a ‘Lost’ Generation but a …
GOOD Statement by Kaden Arguile,GOOD National Youth Chairperson 16 June 2025 From the moment a child is born in South Africa, they face barriers in every direction. If they’re lucky, they’ll survive a chronically underfunded healthcare system. If their home is unstable, the chance of receiving help from an overwhelmed and under-resourced social worker is […]
The post YOUTH DAY: WE ARE NOT A ‘LOST’ GENERATION BUT A DISCARDED ONE appeared first on For Good.
Northern Cape College in Flames
The administrative buildings of the Northern Cape Urban College in Kimberley were destroyed last night through an act of arson. While such actions cannot be condoned, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is partly to blame. Frustrated students have been protesting for weeks over delayed payments by NSFAS. The Scheme, which funds the studies […]
The post Northern Cape college in flames: NSFAS incompetence causes more damage appeared first on Freedom Front Plus.
Committee on Higher Education Warns NSFAS Against Cancellation of Student Accommodation
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has expressed concern about the cancellation of student accommodation agreements with unaccredited providers, warning that mid-term disruptions unfairly affect students.
The committee was briefed by the newly appointed board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for an update on student appeals, funding decisions for the 2025 academic year, the disbursement of allowances, student accommodation and other related matters.
Committee Chairperson Mr Tebogo Letsie said: “We fully support the cancellation of unaccredited accommodation and as the committee we concur on that point. However, when cancellations happen during the academic term or trimester, it creates serious challenges. Students are left stranded, unable to graduate, and burdened with debt for decisions they had no control over. We must urgently move toward ensuring that all accommodation is accredited.”
The committee also highlighted that in the 2024 financial year, NSFAS's mid-year defunding of students caused significant disruptions. Institutions, having already budgeted for registered students, were left financially exposed, triggering a chain reaction of financial instability.
Members of the committee stressed that NSFAS's operational shortcomings are exacerbating student debt levels and jeopardising students' academic success. The committee said the timing of NSFAS decisions, often at critical academic periods, was concerning.
Lastly, the committee emphasised the urgent need to strengthen communication between NSFAS, higher education institutions and students, noting that delays and miscommunication in funding decisions continue to unfairly prejudice students.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
NSFAS finalises allowance payments for 2025 academic year
NSFAS finalises allowance payments for 2025 academic year
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that the allowance payments for the 2025 academic year have been finalised and are ready for implementation.
This comes after thorough discussions, and consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Post School Education and Training (PSET) sector.
The scheme outlined the approved allowance caps allocated for universities' catered and non-catered residences within metropolitan areas. This includes universities catered and non-catered residences for disability students within the metropolitan areas, as well as as university disability transport and distance learning.
The university students in catered residences within metropolitan areas will receive R65 993 for accommodation and R5 678 for new books, while students in non-catered residence within metro areas will receive R56 633 for accommodation and R5 678 for new books.
The students from both catered and non-catered residences within the metro will also receive R3 167 for personal care, including a living allowance of R17 160.
Students with disabilities were allocated additional support, including R52 000 for human support and R54 080 for assistive devices.
“Should institutions see a need to deviate from the allowance caps, they must first obtain written approval from NSFAS before submitting any allowances above the provided caps.
NSFAS released the second upfront payment to universities during the week of 3 March 2025, allowing institutions to disburse March allowances to students by Friday, 7 March 2025,” NSFAS said.
Payment to TVET colleges
NSFAS has also released payment for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, which covers an accommodation allowance of R69 633 for catered students with disabilities in metro areas, and R42 640 for non-catered students in non-metro areas.
Students in catered residences within metropolitan areas will receive R65 993, while students in non-catered residences within metro areas will receive R56 633.
The scheme said the payment released on 7 March 2025, to cover two months’ worth of allowances, is based on valid registrations received.
It noted that at the commencement of the business day on 4 March 2025, 18 TVET colleges had uploaded registrations.
“As a result, NSFAS made the initial payments to these 18 TVET colleges’ students. NSFAS will closely monitor the uploading of registration data by colleges and ensure that another second payment run is prepared for the payment on Friday, 14 March 2025.
“The registration upload cut off for the second payment was Monday, 10 March 2025. This payment will ensure that all students whose valid registration data, which was uploaded since the initial cut-off date receive allowances within the month of March 2025,” NSFAS explained.
Submission of appeal documents
Meanwhile, NSFAS has called on students who had lodged funding appeals for the 2025 academic year, to urgently submit the required documents.
“A student must submit an appeal within 30 days of receiving their application results. Submission of these documents will enable NSFAS to finalise funding decisions timeously,” the scheme said.
Following confirmation of the 2025 allowance caps, NSFAS said its portal is ready to receive valid registration data and encouraged the institutions to submit their registration data to avoid delayed payment of allowances. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Thu, 03/13/2025 - 12:43
926 views
TVET sector issues placed under the spotlight
TVET sector issues placed under the spotlight
Critical issues affecting Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students were at the core of a meeting between Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane and the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA).
Held at Mpumalanga University, the meeting focused on adjustments in TVET student living allowances, payment of 2024 outstanding student allowances, and payment of 2025 student allowances among others.
On the issue of adjustments in TVET student living allowances, it was resolved that parity between TVET and university living allowances should be established while on the matter of the payment of 2024 outstanding student allowances, it was agreed that all outstanding 2024 student allowances will be processed by 25 February.
On the payment of 2025 student allowances, the Minister said allowances for the 2025 academic year will be processed next week, subject to receiving registration data from colleges.
At Monday’s meeting, the payment for student accommodation matter was under the microscope with the resolution being that all outstanding student accommodation fees will be processed by 25 February 2025.
On the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Appeals Process, it was resolved that the Appeals Committee will convene before Friday, 28 February 2025, to finalise all outstanding appeals.
On pending examinations results, the resolution was that the the mop-up process for all pending results will be completed by Wednesday, 26 February and that the process will be followed by Umalusi's approval of the results by Friday, 28 February.
Other issues discussed include the representation on the NSFAS board with the resolution being that SATVETSA will nominate a candidate to represent the TVET sector on the NSFAS board.
“The resolutions … represent a significant step towards addressing the systemic issues within the TVET sector,” said the Minister in a statement on Thursday adding that the Ministry, in collaboration with SATVETSA and other stakeholders, is committed to implementing these resolutions without delay.
“The Ministry acknowledges students' frustrations and remains dedicated to fostering a functional, fair, and transparent TVET system. Regular progress updates will be provided to ensure that commitments made in this agreement translate into real, tangible improvements in the lives of TVET students,” it said. -SAnews.gov.za
Edwin
Fri, 02/28/2025 - 10:38
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Budget Postponement Is a “Blessing in Disguise” Says COSATU
Hundreds marched in Cape Town ahead of budget announcement
Nkabane announces appointment of new NSFAS board
Nkabane announces appointment of new NSFAS board
Higher Education and Training Minister, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, has announced the appointment of the new board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The appointment underpins the Minister’s unwavering commitment to ensure that the NSFAS is led by highly qualified individuals with the expertise necessary to drive efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
Recognising the pivotal role that NSFAS plays in enabling access to higher education, Nkabane said she has prioritised the swift appointment of a board that meets stringent professional and academic criteria.
In a statement on Tuesday, Nkabane said the matter [stringent professional and academic criteria] has been of national interest, and she remains steadfast in her commitment to reforming the institution to benefit South African students.
“[The] NSFAS is a critical institution requiring the highest expertise and ethical leadership. The qualification standards for board appointments have been significantly raised to achieve this.
“Members appointed to the board possess a minimum qualification of a master’s degree and extensive professional experience in finance, law, engineering, or governance. This strategic approach ensures that NSFAS is managed by individuals with the necessary expertise to navigate financial and administrative complexities, while upholding transparency and efficiency,” Nkabane said.
In line with this commitment, the Minister highlighted that the board’s composition reflects the values of inclusivity, youth empowerment, and gender representation.
She said the newly appointed members meet the stringent qualification requirements and embody a diverse and representative leadership team dedicated to transforming higher education funding.
The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to building a strong and credible NSFAS that functions efficiently and restores public confidence.
“By selecting individuals with proven expertise and experience, NSFAS will operate with integrity, prioritise student needs, and effectively deliver on its mandate. This appointment signals a firm stance on governance reforms within NSFAS and sets a precedent for accountability in state-funded institutions.
“The department remains committed to ensuring that NSFAS supports deserving students, while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency,” Nkabane said.
Dr Karen Stander has been appointed as the Chairperson of the board. Stander is a senior lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS).
With over 13 years in academia and a PhD in Business Management from the University of Pretoria, Dr Stander brings extensive experience in student empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She is committed to fostering an efficient, and well-governed NSFAS that ensures sustainable student funding.
Other board members include:
Ndileka Portia Loyilane - Board Member (Public Administration)
Advocate Richardt Tlou Ramashia - Board Member (Legal)
Advocate Ramashia
Advocate Lavandran Nanda Gopaul - Board Member (Legal)
Philisiwe Sibiya: Member (Accounting, Chartered Accountant (CA SA))
Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson: Member Accounting (CA SA).
Prashika Mahesh: Member Accounting (CA SA).
Dr Siyanda Mngadi: Member – Governance.
Karabo Mohale: Member – Governance
Dr Johanna Maphutha: Member – Education.
Dr Mugwena Maluleke: Member – Education.
Dr Marcia Socikwa: Member - DDG: University Education (DHET Representative)
“These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening NSFAS as an institution that upholds integrity, accountability, and efficiency in delivering financial aid to deserving students,” Nkabane said.
The Minister reiterated her committed to ensuring that NSFAS fulfils its mandate of making higher education more accessible to South Africans. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 15:26
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NSFAS urged to act swiftly against student exploitation by landlords
NSFAS urged to act swiftly against student exploitation by landlords
Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, says the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) must act swiftly against the exploitation of vulnerable students by landlords.
This follows media reports that some landlords demand sexual favours from students in exchange for accommodation.
Manamela said the exploitation of vulnerable students by landlords was deplorable and deeply worrying.
“I welcome the strong statement by NSFAS condemning these actions and the decisive steps to investigate, blacklist, and terminate the services of any implicated landlords,” Manamela said.
He emphasised the need for greater accountability and oversight in student accommodation.
He said institutions, including accommodation provider associations, NSFAS, and the Department of Higher Education and Training must work together to ensure that students are housed in safe, dignified environments, free from exploitation and abuse.
Manamela urged the affected students to report cases of exploitation immediately to their institutions, NSFAS and law enforcement.
“We will not tolerate anyone who preys on students,” he said.
Progress on student registration and financial aid
While the reports of landlord abuse are disturbing, Manamela acknowledged that the overall student registration process for 2025 has been largely smooth, with minor glitches that are being attended to.
NSFAS has taken measures to ensure that funded students are registered without financial barriers, including:
• No upfront registration fees for NSFAS-funded students at public universities and TVET colleges.
• NSFAS close-out project students (awaiting outstanding fees from previous years) must be allowed to re-enrol, with institutions instructed to submit their details to NSFAS.
• NSFAS Loan Scheme applicants who qualify should be allowed to register and secure accommodation while documentation is finalised.
• Students with outstanding 2024 allocations should be permitted to register and graduate, with NSFAS committed to settling fees.
“We acknowledge concerns over funding delays and are actively working with NSFAS and institutions to resolve these issues as quickly as possible,” Manamela assured.
Monitoring the academic year
As delegated by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, to assess the progress of the academic year and ensure that student concerns are addressed, the Deputy Minister will over the next two week visit Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape and Gauteng.
“These visits will give us an opportunity to engage directly with students, institutional leadership, and NSFAS officials to ensure that registration, accommodation, and financial aid issues are properly addressed,” Manamela said.
Students in universities, including Technical, Vocational, Education and Training College (TVET) colleges, and Community Education and Training (CET) colleges have been urged to report unsafe accommodation, if they are experiencing exploitation or unsafe conditions, to their institution’s student affairs office, and to NSFAS helpline: 0800 067 327 / info@nsfas.org.za.
“If you are struggling with registration or NSFAS-related funding issues, contact NSFAS servicing teams deployed at institutions or engage your SRC for assistance. Most institutions provide counselling services and wellness programs. Students are encouraged to use these resources.
“Our students should never have to endure exploitation, abuse, or barriers to their education. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
GabiK
Tue, 02/18/2025 - 10:37
199 views