On Monday, Premier Sisi Ntombela announced during her State of the Province Address (SOPA) that efforts have been made to focus on the "missing middle" learners who are often described as too poor to afford higher education but not poor enough to qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding. Ntombela said her provincial government has partnered with NSFAS to ensure learners from households with an income ranging from nothing to R350 000 per annum, receive NSFAS funding.  

“It is really impossible for us not to continue to provide bursaries to the serving students. Focus is on the 'missing middle’ learners who are too poor to afford higher education and not poor enough to qualify for NSFAS funding,” she adds.

OFM News previously reported that institutions of higher learning in the province, especially the Bloemfontein-based ones, have been experiencing protests at their campuses over the financial challenges faced by students.

Premier Ntombela added during her address that the so-called missing middle learners come from households earning between R350 000 and R600 000 per annum.  

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“We are pleased with the completion of Ruang Tsebo Primary in Clocolan, Mooifontein Primary in Zastron and Rehopotswe Primary School in Bethlehem. R128,347 million was used to build these schools. While two schools in Motheo, two in Lejweleputswa, two in Thabo Mofutsanyana, and two in Fezile Dabi are being built, others are at various procurement stages.”

Ntombela adds that three hostels in the Leboneng Special School, Breda Primary School, and Dr Blok are under construction and will be completed in the second quarter of the next financial year.  

In 2019, OFM News reported that school pupils at the Dr Blok Secondary School’s Hostel in Heidedal caught fire.

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