Latest news with #NSFAS
The South African
28-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
NSFAS STUDENTS: Accommodation payment dates confirmed
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced that it will make accommodation payments for university students on 31 May 2025. This includes catch-up payments for the 2024 academic year. This development addresses recent payment delays that have caused uncertainty and housing problems for many students. NSFAS addressed this issue earlier this year, with Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane saying, 'We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delays in allowances – delayed payments are unacceptable. We recognise the impact of these delays as students depend entirely on their allowances for living expenses,' she said. The Minister continued, 'The timely disbursement of TVET allowances and the NSFAS appeals process are paramount towards a streamlined and transparent funding process that ensures that no student is left behind.' She added, 'Access to education is not just a privilege, it is a fundamental right that facilitates personal and national growth.' The delay in NSFAS accommodation payments has been attributed to administrative challenges. These include instances where landlords did not submit required documents such as lease agreements. The verification process, necessary for confirming claims and ensuring compliance with NSFAS standards, also involved checks aimed at preventing fraud. These factors contributed to the timing of the disbursement of funds to students and service providers. Students are urged to keep in touch with their university housing offices. This is crucial to check their accommodation status and address any concerns quickly. NSFAS also asks beneficiaries to report any urgent housing issues to get help on time. Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
25-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
Higher Education Department responds to TUT students' NSFAS funding crisis
Students at the Tshwane University of Technology are calling on the Department of Higher Education and Training and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to resolve the issue of delayed funding. Image: Phil Magakoe/Independent Newspapers The Department of Higher Education and Training and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have acknowledged students' struggles to access funding, attributing the problem to application discrepancies, late registration confirmations and budget constraints. This follows last week's march by students at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), demanding immediate intervention from the department and NSFAS regarding delayed funding. The students claimed that due to the delayed funding, they were forced to attend classes on empty stomachs, while some faced eviction from their residences for not being able to make payments. In a joint statement, the department and NSFAS said some students from universities who applied during the TVET application cycle have experienced difficulties with their registration status due to errors encountered during the application process. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'Certain students, whose registration statuses were only confirmed after the official registration deadline, are currently facing delays in accessing funding support,' they said. They explained that students whose appeals have been approved are experiencing funding shortfalls due to limited remaining budgets, impacting their ability to cover registration and related costs. 'Both the department and NSFAS are actively collaborating to address these challenges. Efforts include reviewing applications from students who applied during the TVET application cycle, providing funding for students whose registration was submitted late, and exploring options to allocate additional resources to support students with approved appeals,' they said. They further said institutions are also being encouraged to assist students in resolving outstanding issues promptly. 'We remain committed to ensuring that all eligible students have access to the funding necessary to continue their studies without undue disruption. We appreciate the patience and understanding of students and stakeholders as we work diligently to resolve these issues swiftly,' they said. The students accused NSFAS of delaying funding to pay for residences with some facing eviction from their landlords. They also claimed they are forced to attend classes on an empty stomach as they are unable to afford groceries due to delayed funding. The students submitted a memorandum of grievances to the department detailing how delayed NSFAS payments are affecting their daily lives. Talifhani Tshithavhana, Student Representative Council (SRC) treasurer from Soshanguve campus, said the injustices faced by TUT students are a widespread issue affecting students across all institutions. 'We have students sitting in their rooms right now without anything. Most of them are chased out of student residences because NSFAS delayed the disbursement of funds to pay for them so that they can stay there,' he said. He called for students to boycott classes and exams until the NSFAS issue is resolved. 'How are you going to focus and how are you going to write examinations when you have nothing in your stomach? It is nonsense to have students attending classes when they haven't eaten anything,' he said. Kagiso Mabisane, SRC secretary of TUT Arts, Arcadia, and Pretoria, said NSFAS should treat students equally, regardless of whether they are from a TVET or university.
TimesLIVE
21-05-2025
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
Keep dreaming: Wits law graduate says mentorship helped him defy the odds
When his mother passed away in 2003, not only was Ostern Kgoitsimodimo Tefo's life shattered, but he also became an orphan early in his life. Despite the loss, Tefo didn't allow his circumstances to define his path in life. Raised by his grandmother, Beauty Gladys Tefo, in Diepsloot, north of Johannesburg, he kept dreaming beyond what seemed possible. 'My grandmother was the head of the household and a domestic worker for most of her life. She made sure she enrolled me at school,' he said. Tefo, 25, went to Muzomuhle Primary school, then Itirele Zenzele High School, where he matriculated in 2017. Though life may seem difficult growing up without parents, today, Tefo tells the story of resilience, humility and appreciation — valuable lessons he learnt from his challenges. 'My advice to young people facing similar challenges is to understand the power of building relationships and networking. 'Never underestimate how valuable it is to know the right people, they can open doors you never imagined. Most importantly, keep dreaming, dream beyond what seems possible. The challenges I had shaped the person I am today. Without them, I wouldn't have developed the resilience, humility and appreciation I have now,' he said. Tefo recently graduated from Wits University after he acquired his second qualification, an LLB degree. His first degree, a BA, was funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). In 2011, as a soccer-loving youngster, he joined the Afrika Tikkun through one of the former facilitators, Thembinkosi Nxumalo, popularly known as 'Zidane,' who coached soccer. 'We used to play street soccer, and Zidane, who worked at Afrika Tikkun, would often see us and encourage us to join. My friends and I enrolled, initially to play football, but we soon discovered that Afrika Tikkun offered far more than just soccer. I stayed with the organisation for many years, benefiting from its various programmes,' he said. Tefo said the organisation transformed his life and steered him away from the dangers of gangsterism, drug and substance abuse, and alcohol abuse. He said, besides keeping him safe, the organisation helped him develop crucial social skills and gave him opportunities to participate in exchange programmes that enabled and expanded his dreams beyond the prospect of imagination. There, he learnt valuable skills such as networking, public speaking and how to express himself confidently without fear of prejudice. In 2018, he studied a BA, funded by NSFAS. After completion, he pursued his original passion, law. 'Though NSFAS no longer funded me, Afrika Tikkun, through the recommendation of Julia Thobakgale, the Jewish community and the Wits Hardship Fund stepped in to support me,' he said. He said one of the biggest challenges was the lack of stable financial support. He said his grandmother, on her limited pension, continued to assist him, and Klaas Mokgomole stepped in whenever he could. 'It was a tough journey, but perseverance kept me going. Today, I hold two degrees from Wits University. I had Mokgomole to get me through Wits' challenges, offered support beyond just mentorship. 'Mokgomole offered me his place to stay for one year because NSFAS took time to pay for my fees. I had support, and my grandmother would send me money at times. Some of the challenges were adapting to the fast pace and having to do things independently,' he said. He added that during his LLB studies, he did not have a reliable monthly income and that forced him to do odd jobs. 'I started tutoring, working part-time. Afrika Tikkun would provide me with a stipend to help alleviate the challenges,' he said. Tefo said amazing mentors assisted him throughout his academic journey, shaped him into a bold and confident young man. 'I truly believe in the saying, 'a leader can only produce their own kind,' and through Klaas's mentorship, I've become a strong and capable leader. Mam Julia Thobakgale has also been instrumental in my journey, offering guidance during tough times,' he said. Afrika Tikkun, in partnership with the KFC Add Hope programme, invest in a generation of young people by addressing not just their educational and developmental needs, but their most fundamental human right: nutritious food. 'At Afrika Tikkun, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow into an educated, values-driven, career-ready adult. Our holistic, cradle-to-career model supports children and youth across every stage of development from early childhood to school readiness, academic achievement, and skills development for the workforce,' said Tlaleng Nkopane, partnerships executive at Afrika Tikkun. Nkopane said they know that no child can thrive on an empty stomach, and that's where the Add Hope programme plays a crucial role. Through the daily provision of nutritious meals at five centres nationwide, Add Hope helps to make their mission a reality.
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Liam Jacobs rises as a bold young voice in South African politics
At just 24 years old, Liam Jacobs has emerged as one of the youngest and most determined voices in South Africa's political landscape. Known for his strong stance on accountability and his growing influence in parliamentary oversight, Jacobs recently drew attention for flagging financial discrepancies in Netball South Africa's record. His journey from student activist to the national stage reflects a steady climb rooted in community, conviction and a commitment to change. Speaking to Saturday Star , he recalls his early fascination with politics, which dates back to his youth in Kimberley, Northern Cape, where he hails from. Growing up in a province which Jacobs says is often overlooked during national discussions, he developed a keen awareness of the socio-political challenges. 'When you have that understanding of where I come from, the biggest province with the smallest population. One of the provinces that is often neglected when we have national discussions. You start to get an understanding of what informs how I look into the world and the political world. Being born into such a society and being born into such an area made me realise that one of the things that I want to do is to leave my corner of the world in a better place. "And as I got older, one of the things I learnt was that it is impossible to change the whole world, but it is possible to change your side of the world. "My goal is to leave behind a better South Africa, the one that I was born into fundamentally. That is, in a nutshell, my motivation for why I am in politics.' The young politician reveals that his journey into politics did not happen overnight, as his foray into activism began during his years as a student leader at the University of Pretoria, where he also fiercely championed student rights, notably taking on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in a bid to improve conditions for students. His grassroots activism laid the foundation for his political ambitions. With a presence on social media dating back to 2016, he also began producing political content on TikTok in 2021, quickly gaining traction for his insights into current affairs. 'I did it every single day for two years. This was the kind of content that ultimately culminated in my election into parliament,' Jacobs explains. The transition from content creator to Member of Parliament was seamless for Jacobs, who uses his platform as a tool for political engagement. Now serving as the deputy spokesperson for sports, arts and culture in the Democratic Alliance ( DA), Jacobs reflects on his role in Parliament, he reveals his commitment to transparency and accountability. 'I say it as a joke sometimes. I think corruption is one of the biggest problems in South Africa. If I were to be elected into any position where I could essentially eradicate that for my first year, you know, in whatever office, maybe I would just stay there and eradicate corruption. 'I think it should not just be an investigation by name, but there should be actual consequences, and the way to pursue actual consequences is actually going to legal authorities to report suspicion of corruption. To report corruption where we find it. That is why I post every single thing that I do in Parliament because I believe that we cannot drive darkness out by being in the dark. We can only drive it out by being in the light,' he says. Looking towards the future, Jacobs is steadfast in his aspirations. 'I will continue to expose what I think is corruption. If you are talking about my long-term prospects, I made it no secret on social media that the future is quite long and that my desire since finding out about politics at 8 years old. I continue to lead a better tomorrow, and that is not for now; that is for the future.' Saturday Star [email protected]
IOL News
17-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Liam Jacobs rises as a bold young voice in South African politics
At just 24 years old, Liam Jacobs has emerged as one of the youngest and most determined voices in South Africa's political landscape. Known for his strong stance on accountability and his growing influence in parliamentary oversight, Jacobs recently drew attention for flagging financial discrepancies in Netball South Africa's record. His journey from student activist to the national stage reflects a steady climb rooted in community, conviction and a commitment to change. Speaking to Saturday Star, he recalls his early fascination with politics, which dates back to his youth in Kimberley, Northern Cape, where he hails from. Growing up in a province which Jacobs says is often overlooked during national discussions, he developed a keen awareness of the socio-political challenges. 'When you have that understanding of where I come from, the biggest province with the smallest population. One of the provinces that is often neglected when we have national discussions. You start to get an understanding of what informs how I look into the world and the political world. Being born into such a society and being born into such an area made me realise that one of the things that I want to do is to leave my corner of the world in a better place. "And as I got older, one of the things I learnt was that it is impossible to change the whole world, but it is possible to change your side of the world. "My goal is to leave behind a better South Africa, the one that I was born into fundamentally. That is, in a nutshell, my motivation for why I am in politics.' The young politician reveals that his journey into politics did not happen overnight, as his foray into activism began during his years as a student leader at the University of Pretoria, where he also fiercely championed student rights, notably taking on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in a bid to improve conditions for students. His grassroots activism laid the foundation for his political ambitions. With a presence on social media dating back to 2016, he also began producing political content on TikTok in 2021, quickly gaining traction for his insights into current affairs. 'I did it every single day for two years. This was the kind of content that ultimately culminated in my election into parliament,' Jacobs explains. The transition from content creator to Member of Parliament was seamless for Jacobs, who uses his platform as a tool for political engagement. Now serving as the deputy spokesperson for sports, arts and culture in the Democratic Alliance (DA), Jacobs reflects on his role in Parliament, he reveals his commitment to transparency and accountability. 'I say it as a joke sometimes. I think corruption is one of the biggest problems in South Africa. If I were to be elected into any position where I could essentially eradicate that for my first year, you know, in whatever office, maybe I would just stay there and eradicate corruption. 'I think it should not just be an investigation by name, but there should be actual consequences, and the way to pursue actual consequences is actually going to legal authorities to report suspicion of corruption. To report corruption where we find it. That is why I post every single thing that I do in Parliament because I believe that we cannot drive darkness out by being in the dark. We can only drive it out by being in the light,' he says. Looking towards the future, Jacobs is steadfast in his aspirations. 'I will continue to expose what I think is corruption. If you are talking about my long-term prospects, I made it no secret on social media that the future is quite long and that my desire since finding out about politics at 8 years old. I continue to lead a better tomorrow, and that is not for now; that is for the future.' Saturday Star
