The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) failed to pay allowances to thousands of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students in South Africa on Friday, leaving them high and dry.
The Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, confirmed this on Monday.
Nkabane said NSFAS sincerely apologises for the delay of the TVET student allowance payment that was initially planned for Friday.
Nkabane said in a statement that a system error involving the batch files’ size was the cause of the delay.
Payments processed a day later
“These payments were processed on Saturday and have been reflected in all student accounts as of Sunday,” said Nkabane.
Nkabane added that in order to avoid a recurrence in the months to come, NSFAS is actively working with its financial services institution to resolve the problem.
“We acknowledge that a specific group of approximately 800 students at a specific institution is experiencing challenges with the transfer of funds. The scheme is committed to rectifying this matter by April 30.
“We recognise the impact of these delays, as students depend entirely on their allowances for living expenses.
“We are committed to ensuring that our students receive the essential support efficiently and promptly.”
Commitment to support students
Nkabane added that having access to education is a fundamental right that promotes both individual and societal development, not merely a privilege.
“This statement is meant to address two critical matters that are at the heart of my commitment to supporting our students in their pursuit of educational excellence: the timely disbursement of TVET allowances and the NSFAS appeals process is paramount towards a streamlined and transparent funding process that ensures that no student is left behind.
“I am committed to ensuring that every eligible student has access to the resources they need to succeed.”
Sunday World reported in January that NSFAS was estimated to owe R44-million in unpaid housing expenses.
The Private Student Housing Association estimated at the time that at least 7 000 university students would be homeless if the scheme did not pay.
