Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation, Blade Nzimande has reiterated his support for the implementation of the student-centred model, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). He said the model is aimed at putting the needs of students at the centre of the scheme’s operations as well as streamlining the process affecting the disbursement of funds for tuition, transport, food and accommodation, as reported by Pretoria News, a partner of TV BRICS.

Nzimande met with the NSFAS board in Durban on Tuesday to discuss the 2023 allowances and funding decisions.

In a joint statement, Nzimande and the board said agreements were reached that the provision of financial assistance should ensure that learners have access to proper education and obtain the desired qualifications.

In terms of disbursements, the NSFAS board confirmed that R608.602 million ($32.03 million) was paid to their beneficiaries in public universities in August only.

Another R383.67 million was paid to colleges of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). More than 85 per cent of students were paid.

However, NSFAS said some students were unable to authenticate due to connectivity issues. “NSFAS has sent specialists to campuses to assist students with authentication,” said the statement.

Nzimande also urged all students to be authenticated by the NSFAS team on ground.

In addition, it was stated that the remaining students who were paid but could not access their funds because they were not fully authenticated will be verified and assessed.

NSFAS will continue to work with the South African Social Security Agency (Sassa), the South African Revenue Services (Sars) and the Department of Home Affairs to verify the information provided and ensure that students’ claims are processed correctly.

Photo: Pretoria News