DA requests Parliament to prioritise NSFAS

21 July 2023

The DA has written to the chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on higher education, Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, to request a rescheduling of the committee programme to prioritise holding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to account on their controversial direct payment system.

We also requested that the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) be invited to present their investigation on NSFAS and outcome thereof.

We need urgent clarity on the requirements of the tender and why Coinvest, Tenet Technology, Ezaga Holdings and Norraco Corporation were the preferred service providers for the NSFAS Mastercard, especially as their cost structure is exorbitant to financially struggling and vulnerable students. It is also very concerning that these companies do not have the required financial licenses.

Education funds must be managed ethically and responsibly to benefit students. It is not meant for the enrichment of connected cadres.

Issued by Chantel King, DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education, 21 July 2023