DA calls for urgent NSFAS Act review over R33bn funding shortfall - EWN

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has proposed an urgent review of the laws governing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the decentralisation of student funding.  

The party said that a rising shortfall at NSFAS, estimated at R33 billion, proved the current model could not continue.  

DA higher education spokesperson Delmaine Christians said funding must be decentralised so that universities and TVET colleges can deliver funding directly to students and prevent current failures.  

She said Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela must "stop delaying the inevitable".  

"The DA is therefore calling for an urgent review of the NSFAS Act and the decentralisation of student funding administration so that universities and TVET colleges can once again take greater responsibility for delivering funding directly to students," Christians said. "Minister Manamela must stop delaying; decentralisation cannot wait."

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