Despite Ongoing Protests, Students Receive R680 Million

Despite ongoing protests over defunding, Nsfas has funded 86% of students, amounting to R680 million.

Thousands of students lost funding earlier this year due to a probe revealing R5.1 billion was erroneously given to ineligible students between 2017 and 2021.

On August 3, students marched to the Union Buildings and Department of Higher Education, expressing dissatisfaction over mid-year defunding and online payment system removal.

About 357,693 beneficiaries have been onboarded onto Nsfas’s new direct payment system, with R608.6 million disbursed by August 4.

The University of Pretoria has 9,547 Nsfas-funded students receiving R25.3 million, Unisa disbursed R18 million to 51,576 students, and Tshwane University of Technology paid nearly R70.4 million to its 34,303 Nsfas students.

Also read: NSFAS Defunding Leaves University Students in a Dilemma

Nsfas stated, “86% of Nsfas-funded students have been successfully onboarded onto the scheme’s new direct payment method.”

It acknowledged that around 14% of students have not accessed full benefits and is working to resolve barriers.

Nsfas pledged transparency in addressing concerns, streamlining accommodation, and preparing for the 2024 application cycle.

Protests continue, with students voicing concerns over defunding, direct payment issues, and unfair rules.

Source: Students receive R680m, despite some still in protest

Also read:

NSFAS Funding Withdrawal: Students in Limbo Billions Owed to Universities

Picture: Twitter / RasaadAdams

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