DA Welcome SARS Stance Against NSFAS Deceit
DA Welcome SARS Stance Against NSFAS Deceit. The recent decision by Edward Kieswetter, the commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), to halt the sharing of personal information of parents and guardians with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) without their explicit consent has garnered praise from the Democratic Alliance (DA).
SARS Halts Information Sharing with NSFAS
This move comes in response to allegations of discrimination against students, stemming from information acquired by NSFAS from SARS without proper authorization. Such actions not only contravened the terms of the memorandum of understanding between NSFAS and SARS but also violated the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
Lack of Presidential Action Raises Concerns
Despite these concerning revelations, there has been a notable absence of action from President Cyril Ramaphosa against Higher Education Minister Dr. Blade Nzimande, who oversees NSFAS.
Calls for Urgent Investigation
The DA is calling for an urgent investigation into the Minister’s involvement and awareness of this misconduct, as well as into the questionable tenders issued by NSFAS for direct payments to various service providers and accommodation accreditation agents.
Impact on Deserving Students
The ramifications of NSFAS’ actions are far-reaching, affecting countless deserving students whose applications and appeals have been unjustly rejected due to discrepancies in parental income information obtained from SARS.
Minister Nzimande Ineffectiveness Exposed
Minister Nzimande’s failure to address these issues adequately underscores his ineffectiveness in managing taxpayer funds and fulfilling the department’s mandate to support South Africa’s most vulnerable students.
Unanswered Questions and Funding Shortfalls
Despite Minister Nzimande’s public appearances and assurances, critical questions remain unanswered. The recent revelation of a R1.1 billion shortfall in funding and delays in disbursing funds to thousands of students further highlights the mismanagement within the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The Need for Change in Leadership
It is evident that a change in leadership is imperative. President Ramaphosa must appoint a competent minister who prioritizes the interests of students and demonstrates accountability.
Conclusion
The DA asserts that such leadership may need to be sought outside the confines of the Tripartite Alliance to ensure effective governance and restore trust in South Africa’s education system.
