EFFSC ON NSFAS
By Thabo Mosia
The Economic Freedom Fighters Students’ Command (EFFSC) has applauded the termination of contracts held by four service providers—Coinvest, eZaga Holdings, Noracco Corporation, and Tenet Technology—who were irregularly appointed by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to disburse student allowances.
A Step Towards Accountability
Khanya Bungane, Acting Secretary General of the EFFSC, heralded this decision as a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in managing student funds. “This decision is a step in the right direction towards ensuring accountability and transparency in the management of student funds, and total eradication of any inconveniences towards students,” Bungane said.
The EFFSC has long been vocal about the inefficiencies and delays caused by these service providers. According to Bungane, these companies were not only incapacitated, causing significant delays in disbursing payments, but also exploited students by charging exorbitant transaction fees. “Such practices are unacceptable and have added unnecessary financial burdens on students who are already struggling,” Bungane emphasised.
A Call for a State-Owned Bank
The EFFSC reiterated its call for the establishment of a state-owned bank to manage and disburse student allowances directly from the government. “The EFFSC reiterates and rubber stamps the call of the EFF for a state-owned bank, as it would have been used to disburse student allowances directly from the government,” Bungane said. This, according to the EFFSC, would ensure a more efficient, transparent, and corruption-free system of managing and distributing financial aid.
The EFFSC commended Student Representative Councils (SCs) across the country for their relentless efforts in fighting for this cause. Bungane invoked the wisdom of Amilcar Cabral, stating, “We claim no easy victories.” The EFFSC remains steadfast in its commitment to fighting for free, quality education and ensuring the integrity and efficiency of financial aid management.
EFF Leader Julius Malema’s Stance
During the recent election campaign, EFF Leader Julius Malema voiced strong opinions on the matter, advocating for NSFAS to pay institutions and students directly. Malema argued that the current system perpetuates corruption, with NSFAS being used as a tool for financial malfeasance. “We don’t want NSFAS anymore. They finance the Communist Party with corrupt money from NSFAS. Why do you pay NSFAS if you want to pay for me in this TVET college? Pay the university directly. We cut out the middleman called NSFAS. Your money must get into your pockets directly,” Malema declared to supporters in eSikhawini.
NSFAS Circular Notice
In a related development, NSFAS issued a circular notice on 11 July 2024, addressing all university vice chancellors and college principals. The notice announced that for the remainder of the 2024 academic year, university students’ allowances would continue to be distributed through institutions. This arrangement is set to persist until the end of the year, ensuring that allowances and tuition fees are disbursed based on valid registration data.
The notice also highlighted the need for institutions to validate student data before disbursing allowances to ensure that only qualifying students receive the correct amounts. Further communications regarding the 2025 academic year allowance distribution channels are anticipated.
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