Revamping Student Financial Aid: Solutions for South African Challenges. Amidst Criticisms, Minister Nzimande Expresses Ongoing Support for NSFAS Direct Payment System. The government’s initiative to provide financial assistance to students, known as the bursary scheme, has recently come under fire due to a multitude of issues concerning student allowances. These concerns have triggered demands for governmental intervention.
In a recent development, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, in collaboration with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), issued a joint statement to update the public regarding funding arrangements for the 2023 academic year and the disbursement of allowances to students.
Protests Erupt Against NSFAS Payment System
Protests have erupted at various educational institutions across the nation, driven by several grievances, most notably, the delays in distributing student allowances, the problematic direct payment system, and the higher bank charges associated with the new system.
Minister Condemns Violent Protests
Minister Nzimande has vehemently denounced the reported instances of violent protests occurring in certain universities. He emphasized that acts of violence cannot be justified or associated with legitimate forms of protest and called for condemnation from all quarters, including student leaders.
Advocating for Student-Centricity
Despite the raised concerns surrounding challenges tied to the payment system, Minister Nzimande has reaffirmed his endorsement of the newly implemented NSFAS student-centered model. He underscored that this model prioritizes students’ needs within the scheme’s operations while streamlining processes related to fund allocation for tuition, transportation, sustenance, and lodging.
Minister Urges Support for Student-Centric Model
Nzimande has urged all stakeholders to lend their support to the implementation of the student-centered model by NSFAS, a move aimed at reducing the number of intermediaries involved in the disbursement of student allowances.
Financial Disbursements and Excessive Bank Charges
Reports indicate that a total sum of R608,601,526 has been disbursed to qualifying NSFAS beneficiaries at public universities, with an additional R383,671,046 paid to TVET colleges for the month of August.
Under the new direct payment allowance system introduced a few months ago in universities across South Africa, NSFAS joined forces with four banking service providers, namely Tenet Technology, Coinvest Africa, Ezaga Holdings, and Norraco Corporation. However, students have raised concerns about the exorbitant bank charges levied by these service providers, along with difficulties in accessing their allowances.
Bank Charges Explained
Minister Nzimande has clarified that students will incur a monthly banking fee of R12 when utilizing their NSFAS bank accounts. Furthermore, additional charges will apply for money transfers to other bank accounts.
Addressing Teething Issues in the New System
Ernest Khosa, Chairperson of the NSFAS Board, acknowledged that, like any newly introduced system, there have been initial challenges and instances where students have been unable to access their allowances through the new solution. Technical glitches attributed to high internet traffic during registration periods have been noted, especially among TVET college students. Khosa attributes these issues to data integration challenges and system glitches stemming from high traffic.
NSFAS Board’s Response to Defunding Cases
In 2023, NSFAS took the step to defund over 40,000 students deemed undeserving or involved in fraudulent activities. To ensure accurate verification, NSFAS collaborated with third-party entities, including the South African Revenue Service (SARS), state security agencies, and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).
Efforts to Enhance Verification Processes
The consensus reached was for NSFAS to continue collaborating with government entities such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), South African Revenue Service (SARS), and the Department of Home Affairs to enhance information verification and ensure accurate processing of student applications.
Reevaluation Results and Appeal Opportunities
A reevaluation led to the reinstatement of 14,703 bursary applications, while 31,224 remained disqualified. The criteria for disqualification were based on the NSFAS bursary eligibility guidelines, including the N+ rule, which determines the maximum duration of funding eligibility for a qualification. Those disqualified have the chance to appeal, pending funding availability.
