Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has called for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to be scrapped, suggesting that the government should send student financial aid directly to universities instead. Malema addressed the issue while speaking to the party’s student command on Monday, following another period of instability and governance concerns at NSFAS.
His remarks come after Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced that NSFAS would be placed under administration again, effectively dissolving the student financial aid scheme’s board and temporarily running the entity through an administrator. This move follows the recent resignation of two board members, including acting chairperson Mugwena Maluleke, who stepped down just five months after his appointment.
NSFAS Challenges
NSFAS has faced years of instability, including delays in the disbursement of student allowances, leaving many students hungry and affecting landlords and accommodation providers. The challenges have resulted in students being evicted due to non-payment, with almost every year at the start of the academic year seeing the same challenges persist and leading to student protests.
According to the Department of Higher Education and Training, NSFAS has been working to address these challenges, but Malema believes that the scheme is beyond repair. He called for the government to send student financial aid directly to institutions, stating that universities are better equipped to manage the funds and ensure that students receive their allowances on time.
Benefits of Direct Funding
Malema argued that providing funds directly to universities would simplify the process and reduce the risk of delays and mismanagement. He also pointed out that universities are more accountable and accessible to students, making it easier for them to resolve any issues that may arise. For example, if a student is not receiving their allowance, they can easily visit the university’s offices to report the issue and get assistance.
Furthermore, Malema noted that the government already provides funding to high schools, and there is no NSFAS system in place for these institutions. He questioned why the same approach could not be applied to universities, suggesting that it is not impossible to provide direct funding to these institutions.
- Delays in disbursement of student allowances
- Affecting landlords and accommodation providers
- Students being evicted due to non-payment
- Yearly student protests
As the debate around NSFAS continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will consider Malema’s proposal to scrap the scheme and provide direct funding to universities. However, one thing is certain – the current system is in need of reform, and a solution must be found to ensure that students receive the financial support they need to succeed.
