EFF statement on the recent shortcomings of NSFAS and the Department of Higher Education
12 July 2023
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) note, with condemnation, the recent communication by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to all parties affected by its mismanagement and corruption.
The inability of NSFAS to streamline its processes and ensure timely assistance has caused immense frustration and despair among those who rely on its support. Year in, year out, these failures have had far-reaching consequences, affecting the lives and aspirations of countless students.
The new recent burning issues include the un-funding of students who initially had a fully funded status. This has resulted in thousands of students forfeiting or not receiving their NSFAS allowances, and face being removed from their residences.
Secondly, the new direct payment service provider came with high praises from NSFAS management and the Ministry of Higher Education as an alternative for disbursing funds for funded students. However, up to date, the few that received allowances have received less than what they deserved and have been met with high transactional fees.