Question NW2719 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
09 December 2020 - NW2719
Nodada, Mr BB to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology
What is the (a) latest staff headcount of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), (b) total amount of approved positions in 2020, (c) number of clients that NSFAS has and (d) staff-to-client ratio that is taken into consideration when increasing staff?
Reply:
(a) The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) headcount as at 31 October 2020 is 448 employees.
(b) In 2020, there are 448 approved positions in the NSFAS organogram. 89 Vacancies were approved for filling. These included critical technical and specialist vacancies, including appointments to vacant positions arising out of resignations and other staff exits.
(c) TVET Colleges: 270 048 students
University: 497 822 students
(d) The staff complement is adjusted with short-term seasonal contract workers during the application and registration cycle. Approximately 60 part-time individuals are hired for this. With regards to staff increases, technical and specialist skills are substituted for non-core and management resignations and vacancies where possible. NSFAS is required to stay within its allocated budget for administration and cost of employees.