The Department of Higher Education, Science and Innovation has shared that the 2023 academic year has resumed without any serious disruptions, but the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) has experienced a glitch.
The department has revealed that this problem has caused delays in processing Nsfas online applications with documentation that has been submitted by students.
After the root cause of the delays was identified, the department has revealed that the application backlogs have been significantly reduced.
In an interview, Higher Education Director-General, Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi has confirmed:
We have managed to reduce the Nsfas backlogs from 200 000 to 97 000 young people.
Although this might give students and tertiary institutions some hope, members of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Innovation have criticised the department for underspending and failing to meet some targets as the financial year nears its end.
One of the members, Jane Seboletswe, said the portfolio committee also needs to discourage the department from having underspending as a culture or norm in the institution.
Whilst Chantel King has mentioned that the Committee has seen how over the past three consecutive quarters, there has been a consistent regression in particular targets that are not being met.
It is for this reason that some of the members have complained about the lack of consequence management.
According to the Education Department, loadshedding is one of the major factors affecting the department, especially at its regional offices.
The department has highlighted that progress is being made in the funding of students who currently fall out of the Nsfas funding policy.
The consultation process has been finalised and a report will be tabled to the cabinet for approval for this cohort of students who do not qualify for the Nsfas bursary.
