The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will pay allowances directly to students instead of using third parties.
The scheme confirmed that it would do away with the voucher system, known as “Sbux” administered by third parties, a move welcomed by the SA Union of Students (SAUS).
NSFAS spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo said the scheme would disburse funds only in cash to students and universities and TVET colleges, through approved financial institutions.
“NSFAS wants to eradicate the voucher system that compromises choices for our students and limits their financial planning,” Mamabolo said, adding that the planned method would also eliminate payments through SMS and cellphone mechanism which were open to fraud and abuse.
NSFAS came under pressure from the Minister of Higher Education and Training Naledi Pandor, last year after the government’s university and college students funding model grappled with disbursing of money
Continue reading…