The South African Student Solidarity Foundation for Education (SASSFE) has noted the decision by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, to dissolve the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the placement of the entity under administration.

 

NSFAS is an important driver of access to education for poor and work class students. The persistent issues pertaining to non-payment of student allowances for the past few years have had a negative impact on students, increasing hunger and student inequality on campuses. We urge those who will be charged with the responsibility of making the entity functional again to look at the most efficient disbursement systems, in collaboration with higher education institutions and financial institutions.

 

Additionally, we hope that this phase of NSFAS will ignite deep reflections on the abrupt defunding of students over the past two years, mounting student debt as a result of this and the exclusion of many students from NSFAS bursaries.

 

We trust that the new board that will be appointed will improve the governance and operations of NSFAS, ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have a seamless journey during their time of study as beneficiaries of NSFAS.