Question NW2560 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
02 October 2023 - NW2560
Ngcobo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
What measures has his department taken to resolve issues regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, including the problems created by the new payment system, in institutions of higher learning across the Republic?
Reply:
The Department met with NSFAS board and requested that they provide a turn-around strategy to the Minister. Furthermore, NSFAS submitted an audit plan to the Minister on 04 September 2023, which the Department will monitor monthly. In addition, the Department has been engaging with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) and NSFAS to ensure further research on the price cap of student accommodation is concluded and used to inform policy decisions. The Department intends to extend the IFC focus to include an assessment of the accreditation of accommodation system established by NSFAS with the intent to resolve the grading system. The Department facilitated a meeting between National Treasury and NSFAS, and with the assistance of Information Technology (IT) experts, advised NSFAS on a more appropriate IT strategy before additional funds were transferred to NSFAS to support IT improvements. With regards to the payment system, the Department is awaiting the SIU and Werksmans Attorneys’ findings before it makes further decisions.