Question NW1493 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
22 November 2019 - NW1493
Keetse, Mr PP to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
In view of the fact that more than 400 students at the University of the Western Cape did not get their book allowances from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) this year, despite the fact that their applications were successful, what (a) steps will he take to address the situation, given the fact that exams have already begun and (b) kind of consequences will his department impose on NSFAS should the specified students underperform?
Reply:
All universities pay student allowances directly. The Department followed up with the University of the Western Cape (UWC) on receipt of the Parliamentary Question. UWC is not aware of 400 students that are alleged not to have received book allowances. According to the information provided by UWC and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, the only students that have not received book allowances are students who are registered for one or two modules and repeating from the 2018 academic year. These students do not qualify for a book allowance for these repeated modules.