NSFAS payment delays spark outrage among TVET college students: Independent Media
Scores of students across the country who depend on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Payment Schedule to support their academic pursuits are crying foul after their allowance, critical for covering tuition, travel, and living expenses have not been paid for months.
The recent delays in NSFAS Payments have caused stress among the students, especially those from some of the country’s leading Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges saying they have not been paid their monthly stipends for months on end.
The escalating issues have come to light after The Star uncovered a catalogue of over 200 affected students who have yet to receive their monthly stipends.
Students from prominent colleges—including Capricorn College, Umgungundlovu College, Lovedale College, Sedibeng College, Mopani, Vhembe Colleges, and Ekurhuleni College—are reporting severe discrepancies in their payment details, exacerbating their anxiety as the academic year draws to a close.
Among the voices of frustration is Busiswe Chonco from the Umsunduzi Campus of Umgungundlovu College, who expressed her concerns over incorrect data entry affecting her NSFAS status.
“I am worried that this issue will not be resolved as my ID number has not been captured correctly. When I clicked the edit button to fill in my details, I could not proceed. I also have a problem with my NSFAS status, which shows 'funded subject to registration.' I need help urgently,” Chonco said.
Similarly, Amahle Ntsabalala from Esayidi TVET College in Umzimkhulu articulated her struggles: “I am suffering because I have not been paid my allowance from semester one. It has been a very difficult process to get my details updated.”
In response to the mounting frustrations, a WhatsApp group has been formed among affected students, serving as a platform for sharing experiences and working collectively to address the ongoing issues.
One group administrator, choosing to remain anonymous, shared, “I hope you're all doing well. Thanks for joining the group! As you may know, many of us haven't received our NSFAS allowances for the whole semester, and some of us haven't received them since last year. Let's work together to address this issue.”
Adding to the complexities of the situation, NSFAS recently reached out to prospective applicants in grades 9, 10, 11, and 12, urging them not to delay submitting their applications.
The funding scheme announced that their application window will remain open until 15th December 2024, a gesture designed to afford potential students ample time to prepare while ensuring that they submit accurate, complete documentation for evaluation.
While the intentions behind these initiatives may sound reassuring, the urgent concerns of current students awaiting their stipends illustrate an urgent need for swift action and resolution to restore hope among those relying on NSFAS to pursue their educational goals.
However, speaking to The Star, NSFAS spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi said: “We do not have a challenge of no payments. For University Students, we are paying through universities and TVET colleges directly into the student bank accounts. Do share the lists in reference so I can verify that information. Please do indicate also if the list is from universities or TVET colleges.“
The Star
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