Press Statement: 08 December 2014 MINISTER, HESA, DHET AND NSFAS DISCUSS STUDENT FUNDING ISSUES Statement from Higher Education South Africa (HESA) following the meeting held between HESA, DHET, NSFAS and the Minister of Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande on Thursday, 4 December 2014 Higher Education South Africa (HESA) and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) met with the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, on Thursday, 4 December 2014 to discuss the nature and scale of student funding via the NSFAS, and the implications for universities and students in 2015. The meeting agreed that in spite of the current challenges, NSFAS plays a crucial role in that it affords more students the opportunity to access higher education. The meeting was attended by amongst others: - University Vice-Chancellors; - Senior representatives from universities; - Mr Gwebs Qonde (Director General of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)); - Dr Diane Parker, Acting Deputy Director-General: University Education and senior officials from the DHET; - Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele (CEO of HESA); - Mr Zamayedwa Sogayise (NSFAS Board Chairperson); - Mr Msulwa Daca (NSFAS CEO), and senior officials from NSFAS. The meeting was briefed on the preparations for the allocation of funding to universities by NSFAS in 2015 and a communication plan to ensure that universities and students are ready for the academic year 2015. Similarly, plans by the DHET to engage with student leaders and other formations were noted. While welcoming the steps that have been taken by the NSFAS, the DHET and universities to put in place requisite arrangements in preparation for the 2015 academic year, the meeting called for improvements in the following areas: …2/ 1 Administrative efficiencies at NSFAS and universities The NSFAS was implored to improve its administrative systems and to strengthen its engagement with universities to ensure that the rules of the Scheme are enforced evenly and consistently across all universities. Similarly, the interaction between NSFAS and Financial Aid Officers at universities are to be improved as a matter of urgency. In addition, all parties were asked to strengthen their respective forensic capabilities to detect and root out fraudulent activities related to NSFAS funding allocations. 2 Communication between NSFAS and universities The meeting agreed that communication should be strengthened at various levels: a. NSFAS level – The NSFAS needs to improve its communication with students and universities on matters relating to policies, the timeous allocation of funding to universities, the enforcement of the rules and regulation of the Scheme, etc. Ad hoc and inconsistent communication from the NSFAS to universities often creates uncertainty at universities. b. University level - Universities should take responsibility for improving their communication with students on matters related to the NSFAS. Each institution is required to review and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its communication system with students on the NSFAS matters. At some universities, inadequate communication has led to student protests in the past. c. Higher education system level - The meeting noted that communication at a systemic level is also required to contextualise the funding challenges facing universities in the short to medium term. 3 Unfunded returning students with historic debt It was noted that in the last few years, a large cohort of students eligible for NSFAS loans were enrolled at various universities with the understanding that additional funds would be secured to settle their debts. Academically deserving students from this cohort are expected to return to their respective universities with an expectation that they will be readmitted to continue with their studies. It was agreed that the total debt of this nature should be consolidated at a sectoral level. It was agreed that a funding arrangement should be explored and ring-fenced to assist the cohort of unfunded returning students currently in the system. Such funds should be for a period of two years to enable these students to move out of the system. However, from 2015 onwards, students will only be admitted on the basis of confirmed offers from the NSFAS via universities. …3/ 4 Securing additional funds from other sources to augment baseline allocations for NSFAS It was further agreed that attempts should be made to find additional funding to support students who were not able to receive NSFAS loans, and who may be eligible. It was agreed that a set of complementary funding systems should be explored by the DHET to inject extra resources into the NSFAS with a view to supporting poor students. This may include raising funds from the private sector and exploring better ways of crowding in additional resources from public sector entities and the financial services sector. 5 Upholding the rule of law in the event of student protests at university campuses While acknowledging that students have the right to express their grievances with regard to NSFAS allocations and related issues, the meeting appealed to all students to observe the country’s laws as well as common decency, and to respect the rights of others in expressing their grievances. The meeting called on all students, student leaders and formations to disallow anarchy and the destruction of university and private property during protests. This media release was prepared by HESA, DHET and NSFAS.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 08:40:37 +0000
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