The scheme for universities to pay directly to students funded by the National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been plagued by problems.
This was expressed by the MEC of Higher Education, Mr. Buti Manamela, who said that there are those who believe that this program has no problems. He said that previously the direct payment system was used but there were problems.
“Many people are talking about transferring the money to the universities so that they can pay directly to the students. We have come to the current plan of NSFAS paying directly to the students, because previously the universities paid directly to the students but there were problems,” he said in response to questions from members of Parliament.
He said that the Parliament should be discussed in detail and decide the method that should be used so that this fund can continue to support those who are struggling. He said that the pressure is increasing to close this fund because of the challenges we are facing.
“If you say that NSFAS should be closed, you must think about the more than 1 million students who are supported. There are discussions about reviewing the way in which student fees should be paid. This issue must also be discussed in Parliament so that a program can be established that will continue to help those who are struggling.”
Some members of Parliament want the issue of the NSFAS board to end as there are always problems. There are many leaders who want universities to pay directly to students, including the leader of the EFF, Mr. Julius Malema.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said that he himself does not see the need for NSFAS so it must be closed. He complained that this fund is not doing what it was created for as it is transferring the work of paying benefits to private companies.
There are always complaints about this fund as students say that it is slow to deposit money. Some students are still waiting for funding answers as the holidays are about to close. The stands also broke into tears as they complained that they were not paid on time by NSFAS.
Manamela revealed that the interim administrator he appointed, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, will remain for two years to restore stability in the management of the fund. He said they want him to finish the job assigned to him.
“We are worried that the student payment system will end up falling apart. That is why we are looking for different ways to continue supporting the poor.”
He lowered the lungs of those sponsored by this fund and said that they will continue to receive their money.
“The distribution of NSFAS benefits will not be interrupted. I am not the Minister of NSFAS but that is what keeps us very busy and that is why there must be stability.”