Question NW2828 to the Minister of Higher Education and Training

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09 November 2018 - NW2828

Profile picture: Oosthuizen, Mr GC

Oosthuizen, Mr GC to ask the Minister of Higher Education and Training

Will the National Financial Student Aid Scheme (NSFAS) be (a) scrapping or (b) amending the so-called student-centred model adopted in 2018; if so, what are the features of the future system to disburse payments to students; (2) what does it mean that there has only been a 46% utilisation of the funds made available by the NSFAS by technical and vocational education and training colleges as at 30 August 2018?

Reply:

  1. (a) No decision has been made on the scrapping of the student-centred model.

(b) Part of the Terms of Reference for the Administrator is to work with the Department of Higher Education and Training to review the business processes of the entity and make long-term recommendations on the future models, structures, systems and business processes necessary for an effective National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

2. The budget allocation for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students was calculated on an expected proportion of eligible students linked to the enrolment plan. The number of students that have taken up the opportunity has been lower than expected for the TVET college sector. A major factor has been a large number of students who have not signed their bursary contracts. To mitigate this, NSFAS has sought approval from the Auditor-General to pay TVET colleges on proof of registration rather than on the basis of a signed contract.

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