Question NW1381 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
02 June 2021 - NW1381
Chirwa, Ms NN to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
In view of the assertion by the Student Representative Council of the Mangosuthu University of Technology that more than 5 000 students are still not registered, due to financial exclusions at the institution and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) not having paid previous year fees and that students are being evicted by landlords because NSFAS has not paid their accommodation fees, (a) by what date will the crisis of residences be resolved by NSFAS at the specified university and (b) what steps will he take to resolve the crisis at the university and other institutions over financial exclusions and evictions of students, who are meant to be provided for by NSFAS?
Reply:
(a) NSFAS is not aware of 5 000 students that have been excluded financially. On engagement with the university management and SRC, this information could not be verified. NSFAS funded students are not required to pay registration fees.
(b) NSFAS has made advance payments to institutions covering two months and is not aware of, and does not expect any funded student to not have received their allowances. Universities are also expected, in terms of the 2021 guidelines for the DHET Bursary Scheme for university students, to keep a database of all single use accommodation providers for NSFAS students who provided a lease agreement and engage providers where challenges are identified with regards to the payment of accommodation allowances.