Latest news with #Umalusi
The Citizen
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Higher education minister apologises for late Nsfas payments
The minister also highlighted that approximately 800 students at a "specific institution" continue to face challenges with their fund transfers. The Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, on Sunday, released a statement addressing crucial issues affecting students who rely on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). Nkabane's address focused primarily on the delayed disbursement of Tvet allowances and provided updates on the Nsfas appeals process. Late Nsfas Tvet allowances finally reach students Nsfas has issued an apology for the delayed payment of Tvet student allowances that were originally scheduled for 25 April. According to the minister, the delay was caused by 'a system glitch related to the size of the batch files.' The payments were subsequently processed on 26 April and reflected in student accounts by 27 April. 'We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by the delays in allowances – delayed payments are unacceptable,' stated Nkabane. 'We recognise the impact of these delays as students depend entirely on their allowances for living expenses.' The minister also highlighted that approximately 800 students at a 'specific institution' continue to face challenges with their fund transfers. Nsfas has committed to resolving these outstanding issues by Wednesday. ALSO READ: Nsfas warns students to pay landlords or face eviction Outstanding 2024 payments being addressed The minister confirmed that Nsfas remains committed to settling all outstanding amounts from 2024, including payments owed to both students and accommodation providers. Nkabane added that a detailed communication outlining the plan for these outstanding payments will be released by Wednesday. 'Access to education is not just a privilege; it is a fundamental right that facilitates personal and national growth,' she emphasised in her statement. According to Nkabane, progress has been made in addressing appeals submitted for 2025, with the Nsfas Appeals and Tribunals Committee currently reviewing outcomes to ensure consistency and proper application of policies. Students are encouraged to regularly check their accounts for any additional documentation requirements related to their appeals. ALSO READ: Nsfas payment delay puts student accommodation at risk Resolution of qualification code discrepancies Nkabane shared that a breakthrough has been achieved in resolving issues related to qualification code mismatches that had prevented fund disbursement to eligible students. These discrepancies primarily affected students enrolled in two specific National Certificate (Vocational) programs. The minister reported that 80% of the results were released to examination centers on 2 April. She added that additional evidence is being gathered by the Department of Higher Education and Training, which will be submitted to Umalusi by 5 May for National Certificate (Vocational) Levels 2 to 4. 'Subject to Umalusi's approval, we anticipate the release of results on 9 May 9 and 12 May,' Nkabane stated. With these issues resolved, affected students should receive their Nsfas funding without further delay. NOW READ: Eleven classrooms destroyed after fire guts Riverlea High School
IOL News
23-04-2025
- General
- IOL News
Umalusi raises alarm over declining quality of TVET exams
Inside one of the TVET colleges in the country. Concerns have been raised by Umalusi over the quality of examinations in Tvet Colleges Umalusi has sounded the alarm on the declining quality of TVET examinations, revealing that nearly a third of the question papers used in the November 2024 exam cycle were marred by grammatical errors. The quality assurance body also reported a significant drop in the number of papers meeting acceptable standards, with only 77% passing initial moderation, a sharp decline from 87% the previous year. The report, which covers the National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)] and NATED Report 190/191 Engineering Studies qualifications, found that 46 question papers contained grammar and language issues. These included 'confusing and awkward phrasing,' 'incorrect use of terminology,' and instances where 'instructions to candidates were incomplete, unclear, or not in accordance with DHET specifications.' Umalusi also raised concern over misalignment between question difficulty, time allocation, and mark distribution. In some cases, candidates were unable to complete papers within the allocated time, while others finished too early due to underdeveloped content. Adding to these concerns, the report highlights widespread problems with Internal Continuous Assessment (ICASS) tasks. A total of 43% of sampled lecturer portfolios were missing one or more required components, including lesson plans, task memoranda, or learner feedback records. At King Hintsa TVET College, no assessment documentation was submitted at all. 'This level of non-compliance compromises the credibility of the assessment process,' the report notes. 'The failure to meet the minimum requirements of the ICASS guidelines reflects poor planning and oversight at institutional level.' In the practical assessment component (ISAT and PAT), resource constraints continued to cripple performance. Umalusi reported that in one case, a lecturer had to use his personal vehicle as a training tool due to the absence of proper equipment, and that some workshops operated without electricity. 'These persistent challenges raise serious questions about the readiness of some colleges to offer credible vocational training,' the report stated. Meanwhile, marking processes also showed signs of strain. The DHET submitted 20 requests for marking concessions, more than in 2023, but Umalusi rejected nine of them. The report indicated that several concession applications failed to meet basic criteria, citing concerns over the experience and qualifications of proposed markers. Private colleges were again highlighted as repeat offenders in examination irregularities. Umalusi noted unresolved cases from previous cycles, with some private sites showing 'no significant improvement.' The body has instructed the DHET to block results for implicated centres and candidates pending investigation. THE MERCURY
