The Special Investigating Unit’s (SIU) investigations have so far revealed that more than 40 000 students in 76 institutions of higher education have been possibly funded incorrectly.
These are students whose household income is above R350,000 and therefore would not qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding based on the funding criteria.
The Unit has explained that these students did not submit their parent’s details upon application and therefore the means test was not properly conducted.
NSFAS acknowledges and welcomes the Special Investigating Unit’s report as presented in the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
In a statement, NSFAS has revealed:
We continue to improve controls to limit instances of those who benefit undeservedly.
The government bursary scheme has also shared that the information used in this investigation covers earlier academic years up to 2019.
According to the Scheme, when the SIU commenced its work, NSFAS had already initiated a process to de-fund these students and pursue recovery.
The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Dr. Blade Nzimande has also reaffirmed his support of the Scheme’s efforts to hold those who defrauded the scheme accountable.
“I would like to send a stern warning to those who continue to defraud NSFAS and to indicate that together with our law enforcement agencies, we are following all the cases where there are suspected instances of fraud and corruption,” said Nzimande.
The Scheme is of the view that this will serve as a lesson and deterrent to those who want to unlawfully benefit to the detriment of poor and deserving students, as these are the students that NSFAS funds.
Here’s How NSFAS Verification Process Has Changed:
Over the years, NSFAS has transitioned from physical copies to digital versions of documents which has made the entire process more efficient and less time consuming.
This move has enabled NSFAS to verify applications faster and ensure that only genuine applicants receive funding from them.
This is done through applicant’s information being verified using third party source data, such as the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Revenue Services.
