NSFAS News

Minister Nkabane Addresses NSFAS Payment Delays Impacting TVET Students

Published

3 weeks ago

May 4, 2025

Minister Nkabane Addresses NSFAS Payment Delays Impacting TVET Students. The ongoing challenges faced by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, convened a pivotal meeting with the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA) on February 24, 2025, at Mpumalanga University. This meeting aimed to tackle the pressing issues surrounding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) payment delays and the appeals process that have adversely affected TVET students nationwide.

Resolutions from the Ministerial Meeting

1. Adjustment of TVET Student Living Allowances

A primary concern highlighted was the disparity between TVET and university student living allowances. To ensure equity, it was resolved that measures would be implemented to establish parity between the two, guaranteeing that TVET students receive adequate financial support comparable to their university counterparts.

2. Payment of Outstanding 2024 Student Allowances

The meeting concluded with a commitment that all outstanding 2024 student allowances would be fully processed and paid by February 25, 2025. This decision aims to alleviate the financial strain on students awaiting their funds.

3. Payment of 2025 Student Allowances

Minister Nkabane assured students that allowances for the 2025 academic year would begin processing in the following week, contingent upon the timely submission of registration data from colleges.

4. Settlement of Student Accommodation Fees

Addressing concerns over unpaid student accommodation fees, it was resolved that all outstanding payments would be cleared by February 25, 2025, ensuring students have stable housing arrangements.

5. NSFAS Appeals Process

To expedite financial aid decisions, the NSFAS Appeals Committee was scheduled to convene before February 28, 2025, to finalize all outstanding appeals, ensuring affected students receive their funding without further delay.

6. Release of Pending Examination Results

To prevent academic disruptions, a mop-up process for all pending examination results was set to be completed by February 26, 2025. Subsequently, the results would be submitted for approval by Umalusi by February 28, 2025.

7. Representation on the NSFAS Board

In a move to strengthen student representation, SATVETSA was granted the opportunity to nominate a candidate to represent the TVET sector on the NSFAS board, ensuring student voices are included in financial aid decision-making.

Challenges Highlighted by TVET Students

Despite these resolutions, TVET students continue to face significant challenges. Many students have reported non-payment of monthly stipends, incorrect personal details leading to payment delays, and discrepancies in payment information. For instance, students from Umgungundlovu College and Esayidi TVET College have expressed concerns over incorrect entry of personal details into the NSFAS system and delays in receiving allowances, respectively.

Furthermore, the lack of communication between NSFAS and students exacerbates these issues. Students have reported difficulties in reaching NSFAS through emails and telephone calls, leading to frustration and uncertainty about their financial aid status.

NSFAS Response and Future Measures

In response to the growing discontent, NSFAS has acknowledged the challenges and is implementing measures to address them. One significant development is the migration of TVET NSFAS beneficiaries to a direct payment system through their bank accounts. This change aims to address previous frustrations experienced by students in receiving their allowances.

However, approximately 6% of students are still not receiving their allowances due to incorrect banking information or failure to provide their banking details. NSFAS is working with institutions and students to ensure accurate banking details are submitted for future payments.

Additionally, NSFAS is extending its application window for prospective students, urging those in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 to apply for financial aid without delay. The funding body has announced that the application window will remain open until December 15, 2024.

Conclusion

The collaborative efforts between the Department of Higher Education and Training, SATVETSA, and NSFAS signify a commitment to resolving the systemic issues affecting TVET students. While the resolutions from the February 2025 meeting mark a positive step forward, the implementation of these measures and continuous communication with students are crucial to restoring trust and ensuring the financial well-being of all beneficiaries.