South Africa
Millions in upfront payments to students - NSFAS─── 15:54 Fri, 27 Mar 2020
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has welcomed moves by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to continue making funds available to students while the country is on lockdown.
The provisional funding will be available to more than 400 000 students.
The latest figures are contained in a report by NSFAS administrator Randall Carolissen which details the fund’s plans while the country battles coronavirus.
Nzimande says institutions must continue to distribute allowances to students.
“Total upfront payments made to institutions to date is an amount of R4,2 billion. This amount includes the second upfront payment of R677 million, which was paid to assist with transport and accommodation during the registration period.”
The minister also called on NSFAS and the various tertiary institutions to continue working together to complete the reconciliation of registration data.
"The NSFAS is also currently processing payments that will be disbursed to 102 950 students to the value of R316 million.”
Allowances in the TVETs sector have already been paid to 147,663 students amounting to R594 million.
