NSFAS Addresses Concerns Raised by the South African Union of Students

Background and Recent Statements:
NSFAS Addresses Concerns raised by the South African Union of Students (SAUS), refuting claims of a crisis and shedding light on ongoing efforts to enhance services for over a million students. Since its establishment in 1999, NSFAS has been a crucial provider of financial support for eligible post-school education and training candidates.

NSFAS Addresses Concerns : Progressive Growth and Evolution

Historical Funding Overview:
NSFAS has experienced substantial growth in funding over the years, evolving from an initial disbursement of R21.4 million in 1991 to a remarkable R50 billion. This funding supports the educational aspirations of children from working-class and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, spanning public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

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Strategic Reforms to Meet Modern Demands

Comprehensive Reforms:
In response to the evolving landscape, NSFAS is actively implementing strategic reforms. This includes the integration of a redesigned Information Communication Technology (ICT) system, a review of processes and operations, governance and management structure overhaul, and the adoption of a performance management framework. Stakeholder communication is being enhanced through the launch of a 24-hour call center, and decisive action is taken against fraud and indebtedness.

Strengthening Leadership and Management

Key Appointments:
Experienced individuals, including Prof Laurens van Staden and Prof. Ntombizozuko Dyani-Mhango, join to fortify the NSFAS Board. New appointments include Mr Errol Mandla Makhubela as Executive: Core Business and Mr Ishmael Mnisi as Senior Manager Corporate Communication and Spokesperson. Additional announcements regarding executive and senior management appointments are anticipated.

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2023 Academic Year and Beyond

Funding Commitment and Application Season:
Despite a surge in applications, NSFAS is committed to funding 1.3 million students in the 2023 academic year. Looking ahead, the application season for 2024 opens on November 21, 2023, with shorter turnaround times for decision-making aligned with updated South African Revenue Service (SARS) information.

Enhancing Application Validation Processes

Collaboration with Department of Basic Education:
NSFAS collaborates with the Department of Basic Education to improve application validation processes, including parental relationship verification. These enhancements aim to expedite funding decisions, emphasizing the importance of accurate information.

Technological Innovations for Accessibility

Mobile Application Introduction:
NSFAS introduces a mobile application for iOS, Android, and later, Huawei devices to make the application process more accessible. The app includes biometric capabilities and features for tracking application statuses and funding via WhatsApp and USSD.

Payment Processes and Allowances

Data Exchange and Disbursements:
NSFAS enhances data exchange processes with institutions to integrate seamlessly into new direct payment systems. October allowances for TVET college beneficiaries have been successfully disbursed, and tuition disbursements to universities total R1,602,289,873.00, with ongoing efforts to streamline processes for timely payments.

Appeals Process and Alleged Feuds

Completion of Appeals Process:
The appeals process for university students is nearing completion, with continuous processes for TVET beneficiaries. NSFAS refutes claims of feuds between the Board and Management, urging SAUS to provide specific details and assuring its commitment to implementing recommendations from the Werksmans Attorneys report.

Funding Guidelines and Closing Remarks

Future Funding Guidelines:
NSFAS, in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training, finalizes funding guidelines for the 2024 academic year, to be announced on November 21. Despite challenges, NSFAS remains Africa’s largest student funding agency, dedicated to transforming the lives of the underprivileged through education. The Board assures beneficiaries of its unwavering commitment to fulfilling its mission and contributing to South Africa’s national development goals.