NSFAS 20 000 Students Allowances Must Still Receive in 2024

NSFAS 20 000 Students Allowances Must Still Receive in 2024, The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has encountered challenges in disbursing allowances, leaving 20,000 students without their entitled 2023 allowances. Here’s an overview of the current situation and NSFAS’s plans to address the issue.

NSFAS Allowance Disbursement Progress

In recent weeks, NSFAS has been actively working to disburse outstanding allowances to students, as a significant number have faced financial difficulties due to delays. As of 5 December 2023, 234,124 students have received their NSFAS allowances, marking the completion of reconciled final disbursements for the year.

Reconciliation Process for NSFAS Allowances

NSFAS is undertaking a comprehensive reconciliation process divided into three key components: direct payment of allowances to students, allowances paid to institutions for tuition, and allowances paid to students through institutions. This meticulous process ensures accurate disbursement, accounting for changes in student registration data.

Pending Allowances and Resolution Plans

Despite these efforts, NSFAS still needs to disburse allowances to 20,000 students. The financial aid scheme cites the need for further input and consultation with institutions to address unresolved cases of disbursements. Their goal is to complete all outstanding allowances for 2023 by 15 January 2024, safeguarding the smooth disbursement of 2024 allowances.

NSFAS Response to Payment Concerns

NSFAS has faced criticism and concerns regarding the transparency of its payment system, particularly after revelations about former CEO Andile Nongogo connections with service providers. NSFAS emphasizes its commitment to addressing these concerns and plans to make public announcements based on the Werksmans Attorneys report regarding direct payment service providers.

Student Unions’ Critique and NSFAS’s Response

While NSFAS asserts its dedication to ensuring students receive their entitled allowances, student unions, such as the South African Union of Students (SAUS), express dissatisfaction. They reject NSFAS’s explanations as “absolute rubbish” and “nonsense.” SAUS highlights the recurrent crises in the payment system and questions the necessity of monthly beneficiary verifications.

Conclusion

NSFAS acknowledges the multifaceted nature of the struggle and outlines various strategies employed by SAUS, including engagements with the Department of Higher Education and other stakeholders. The NSFAS board is set to hold meetings with relevant organizations and stakeholders to discuss preparations for the 2024 academic year, eligibility criteria, and conditions.