Media statement on leak of report of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) review, March 7 2010

Committee Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande has strongly condemned the publication by the Sunday Independent of a version of the report of the committee reviewing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (see article).

A final draft of the summary of findings and recommendations of the committee was presented to Cabinet two weeks ago and as is Cabinet practice, marked as a secret document. The final report will be released to stakeholders and the media on 16 March, when it will also be opened for public comment.

After an extensive process of public consultation, the response of the minister and his recommendations will be presented to Cabinet later this year for adoption.

Minister Nzimande, who is currently attending a skills summit in Germany hosted by the South African Embassy, has denounced the publication by the Sunday Independent of a document that has not yet been finalised or released to the public. We view the leak as a discourtesy to the committee and urge all parties to respect the process that has been set in place and to participate actively in the process of consultation which will be invited by the minister.

Statement issued by Ranjeni Munusamy, Department of Higher Education and Training, March 7 2010

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