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Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
Official Newsletter Of The National Student Financial Aid Scheme
NSFAS 2018 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
The Student-Centred Model , p10
NSFAS beneficiaries tell their tales, p16
Reasons you must repay your NSFAS loan, p 20
Young Physiotherapist Speaks of NSFAS, p22
Two Million Students Funded By NSFAS Since 2013
More than two million students studying at South Africa’s public Universities and Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) Colleges have been funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme
(NSFAS) since 2013, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande announced in April.
The total number of students who were financially supported by NSFAS each year at universities were as
follows:
2013 2015
194 923 178 961
students students
2014 2016
186 150 244 488
students students
TVET College beneficiaries were allocated as follows:
2013 2015
220 978 235 988
students students
2014 2003
228 642 235 988
students students
In addition, 194 353 university students have so far been supported in the 2017 academic year, with 78 413
covering first time entrances and 115 940 for returning students. It is also envisaged that College funding
decisions for the current academic year will be concluded at the end of this month (April 2017) – with 123 332
students already receiving support. (Source: DHET, April 2017)
1
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
Vision Statement
A model public entity that provides financial aid to all eligible public university and Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) college students from poor and working class families.
Mission Statement
To transform NSFAS into an efficient and effective provider of financial aid to students from poor and work-
ing class families in a sustainable manner that promotes access to, and success in, higher and further edu-
cation and training, in pursuit of South Africa’s national and human resource development goals.
The mission statement is made up of three distinct elements which describe why NSFAS exists, what we
do, and the impact on our constituency:
• NSFAS exists to provide financial aid to eligible students at public TVET colleges
and public universities.
• NSFAS identifies eligible students, provides loans and bursaries and collects
student loan repayments to replenish the funds available for future generations of students.
• NSFAS supports access to, and success in, higher education and training for students from
poor and working class families who would otherwise not be able to afford to study.
Internal Values
Integrity - We act with integrity towards all stakeholders, and support clients that uphold the same values.
Accountability - We take responsibility for our actions that drive performance management.
Respect - We treat all our staff members with respect and fairness.
Innovation - We strive to innovate in communicating with and serving students.
External Values
Accessibility - We create an environment that allows efficient, effective and direct access to NSFAS and
the funding it provides to eligible students.
Transparency - We are open and honest with all students and stakeholders.
Affordability - We offer affordable solutions for students to study at public universities and TVET colleges.
Reliability - We honour our commitments and strive to deliver on our mandate.
Authenticity - We protect our students and stakeholders by offering quality services and information.
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Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Editorial......................................................................................................... 4
2018 Applications Open......................................................................... 5
sBux is touching lives.............................................................................. 7
About the Student-Centred Model...................................................... 10
Inside the NSFAS Contact Centre...................................................... 12
List Of NSFAS Funders............................................................................ 15
2017 NSFAS beneficiaries speak to us............................................. 16
Repayments................................................................................................ 18
Importance of signing Your NSFAS LAF/SOP................................ 20
Speaking to a young physiotherapist............................................... 22
Profile of a Quintile 1 school................................................................. 24
Communicators’ Forum Steams Ahead.......................................... 26
List of funded universities...................................................................... 28
List of fundedTVET colleges................................................................. 29
3
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
EDITOR’S COMMENTS
T his is the very first edition of our new NSFAS magazine.
We are going to produce one edition every quarter in
order to open a new platform of communication between
NSFAS and all our stakeholders. A very good co-incidence is
that we launch this magazine at a time when NSFAS has
opened for 2018 applications. We have written an informative
piece of information for you regarding how to apply for 2018
funding, where to apply, and who must apply.
A lot of messages have come from NSFAS in the past few
months and one of the subjects we have spoken about more,
is the Student Centred Model. We have taken some time in
this edition to explore the objectives of this model and now it
will work. We invite you to read that article and be informed.
In February this year NSFAS started a campaign to encour-
age our approved students to sign their loan agreement
forms at universities and schedules of particulars at TVET
colleges. It is a campaign we are planning to escalate more
as we still experience challenges in this regard. When you are
a new student funded by NSFAS at a university, it is import-
ant that you sign your loan agreement form to accept the
terms and conditions of your funding. The same principle
applies for TVET college students who need to sign their
schedules of particulars.
Moving on, it is always refreshing to speak to a person who
has experienced the impact of NSFAS funding in their lives.
We took some time out to speak to a young physiotherapist
working at the Mamelodi hospital in Tshwane – Ntombizod-
wa Dube. She is one of the many good stories we can tell as
NSFAS. Over the past 25 years, we have funded millions of
young people who have gone out to succeed in their respec-
tive professional fields. Please indulge in this article on
Ntombizodwa’s educational journey.
In conclusion, TVET colleges are a very critical intervention in
our country’s education and skills development objectives. EDITORIAL TEAM
Two students from Motheo TVET college in Bloemfontein
shared with us good stories regarding their sBux benefits. Kagisho Mamabolo – Chief Editor
sBux is a system that NSFAS uses to disburse allowances to Sello Molekwa – Copy Editor
approved students, through a mobile based USSD application Siphe Matomela – Writer
that works like a personal transaction facility for the student. Christine Skoti – Writer
Motheo TVET college has a big number of students with Mandy Abrahams – Marketing
disabilities, who are funded by NSFAS through sBux. We trust Coordinator
that you will find this edition informative and educational on Layout & Design By – Indingliz
all things related to NSFAS funding and initiatives. See you Published By: NSFAS
again in the next edition.
4
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
NSFAS 2018 Applications Open Now
2018 Applications Campaign gives jobs to 115 graduates and is more accessible to applicants through
NYDA centres countrywide
By Staff Reporter
The National Student Financial Fiona Lewis – the NSFAS Knowl-
Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has entered edge and Policy Specialist – said
into a partnership with the the applying process will be easier
National Youth Development this year because the application
Agency (NYDA) to help young form has been reduced from
people wishing to study at a eleven pages it had in 2016, to just
public university or TVET college four, “We looked at ways through
in 2018, apply for NSFAS financial which we can make the applying
aid. This partnership has resulted process much easier for students,
in short term employment for 115 and decided to reduce the applica-
previously unemployed gradu- tion form, for their convenience,”
ates, who will be working at she said. While the previous appli-
NYDA youth local offices through- cation form (2017) required useful
out the 2018 applications period. details and information, applicants
said they found it to demanding as NSFAS 2018 APPLICATIONS FOR
With the application period it was very long. Lewis added that
the list of supporting documents
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
running from 01 August 2017 to
30 November 2017, it means students are required to attach to
prospective students have 122 their application form, has also Step 1:
days to submit their funding been reduced. For the 2018 appli-
applications to NSFAS. cations, students will only be Online applications: Go on the
required to have certified copies of NSFAS website (www.nsfas.org.za)
The partnership between the two the following documents ready: and click MYNSFAS Account. Take a
organisations will allow young note of all the supporting documents
people across the country to 1.Applicant’s South African ID you will need, read the terms and
access NSFAS applications and document/card (or an unabridged conditions, and download the parent
submit them at NYDA local youth birth certificate); consent form.
offices in all nine provinces. Victor 2.ID copies of parents/or guardian Paper applications: Visit your provin-
Rambau – the NSFAS Head of (Or a death certificate where
cial/regional NYDA centre/office
Business Enablement – said this applicable);
3.ID copies of people you live with where you will be given a paper appli-
NYDA partnership is offering an
improved arrangement from the in your household; cation form to fill in.
initial partnership the two organi- 4.Payslip/Employment letter not
sations had in 2016, for 2017 older than 3 months if you have a Step 2:
applications. working parent(s).
Online applications: Register yourself
“Last year (2016) the NYDA Training has been provided to the as a user on the MYNSFAS Account,
offices only assisted young centre workers as NSFAS increas- in order to open a MYNSFAS account.
people to apply online using their es efforts to improve the applica- You will need to create a username
resources and did not get tion experience for applicants. and password, which you will use to
involved in the processing of Learners who are currently in log in to your MYNSFAS Account to
those applications. However, this Matric, as well as other young check application results, or update
year we will have dedicated people who are not funded by your details. Please note that register-
student support workers at each NSFAS, are encouraged to apply
ing for your MYNSFAS account is not
NYDA local youth office, who will from 01 August 2017, and not wait
for the last minute. Learners can an application – you will need to
assist the learner through the
actual paper or online application, go on the NSFAS website (ww- continue to the APPLY tab.
and accept the application form w.nsfas.org.za) to register and Paper applications: Ask the NYDA
from the applicant. So, students apply, or visit an NYDA local youth centre workers to explain the applica-
will be able to submit their appli- office in their district to fill a paper tion process to you, and read the
cations at NYDA offices” Rambau application. Applications will close paper application form to familiarise
said. on 30 November 2017. yourself with it.
5
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
Step 3: them together before submit- in your household;
ting the application. The docu- •Payslip/Employment letter not
Online applications: Once you ments must be certified on the older than 3 months if you have a
have registered, click the Apply front side of the page that the working parent(s).
tab and you will be taken to the copy is on, and cannot be older
online 2018 NSFAS application than 3 months since it was 2.When you provide your
form. Read the form carefully, certified. cellphone number on the applica-
and start to fill in your particu- tion form, make sure it works and
lars. Before filling in the applica- Sign the completed application please do not change it after-
tion form, you will need to have form and take it to one of the wards, as NSFAS will use it to
scanned copies of all the sup- NSFAS student assistants at the communicate with you during
porting documents as men- NYDA centre/office nearest to and after the application process.
tioned on the application form. you. You will have to wait while Please do not provide someone
Most important is the parent they check that the form is else’s cellphone number as your
consent form, which must be correctly filled out and that all contact number.
signed by your parents. the documents are correct. You
will receive a small acknowl- 3.DO NOT apply if you have
These supporting documents edgement of receipt card, to already submitted another 2018
must be attached to the applica- which the NSFAS student application.
tion form and submitted togeth- assistant will attach a bar code DO NOT apply if you are not
er with it. (a duplicate bar code will also be planning to study at a public
Don’t begin completing the attached to your application university or TVET college.
application until you have all the form). Make sure you submit DO NOT apply if you are a NSFAS
supporting documents already your application on or before the funded student in 2017.
scanned and with you, as you closing date of 30 November
will not be able to save the form 2017. Applications that arrive 4.For postgraduate studies, only
for later. after 30 November 2017 will be students who plan to do the
disqualified. Applications with- following postgraduate qualifica-
When you have completely filled out the consent form will not be tions may apply:
in the application form and accepted.
attached all supporting docu- •B Tech – Architecture/Archi
ments, click the Submit button IMPORTANT: tectural Technology;
to submit the application, and •B Tech – Biokinetics/Biomedical
wait to receive a reference 1.Before filling in the application Technology/Biotechnology;
number. Make sure you submit form, you should have decided •Postgraduate Certificate in Edu-
your application on or before the which course you want to study cation;
closing date of 30 November and at which public universi- •Postgraduate Diploma in
2017. Applications that arrive ty/TVET college. You will need Accounting; and
after 30 November 2017 will be be asked to indicate these •LLB.
disqualified. choices in the application form.
In addition, before you start the Students wishing to undertake
Paper applications: Use black online application process, other postgraduate qualifications
ink to fill in the application form make sure you have electronic MUST NOT apply. These
by writing within the blocks and copies of: students will need to apply to the
with capital letters. Your parents NRF when they open their appli-
will need to sign the consent •Your South African ID docu- cations later this year.
form. Do not cancel any text ment/card (or an unabridged
and make sure you write out birth certificate);
clearly. Have certified copies of •ID copies of parents/or guard-
the listed supporting documents ian (Or a death certificate where
with you and attach them to the applicable);
application form by stapling •ID copies of people you live with
6
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
HOW SBUX ALLOWANCES
CHANGED LIVES
Joyce Ntumane during one of the learning sessions at Motheo TVET College.
Photo: Sello Molekwa
I f it was not for the support of
NSFAS, I would have gone into
the life of unemployment, drugs
ordinary student. She is 26 and
blind. It is a perfect spring day
when we find Joyce at the
reaching her dream – to
become a Chief Financial Officer
one day. The situation may be
and alcoholism – this is a frank Business Administration painful, but there’s definitely big
admission by Joyce Ntumane, a campus of the college, in the dreams on this campus.
student at Motheo TVET college heart of Bloemfontein. She is
in the Free State province. What quick to inform us that she will The National Student Financial
makes this admission send be completing her studies in Aid (NSFAS) is providing finan-
shivers down your spine is the June 2017, after which she will cial support to the majority of
fact that Joyce is not your soldier on to start the journey of the college’s 9 000 students,
7
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017
was the top student in 2014 in
the whole college across all
faculties’' said Seithati Moahlodi
at Motheo Collage.
To date, she has never failed a
subject even once since she
started her course in 2014. She
actually came to Motheo college
in 2012, but she had to go
through matric preliminaries on
the National Vocational Certifi-
cate programme. The campus
is home to 130 students with
disabilities, who are enrolled in a
variety of courses. NSFAS pays
tuition fees to these students,
and also purchases assistive
devices for them to allow them
to study without hassles.
“The support from NSFAS is a
very big benefit for us, and has
taken down our stress levels in
a very big way,” says Susannie
Odendaal – the campus man-
ager, “Through NSFAS, our
students have computer facili-
ties and a whole range of assis-
tive devices, this support is a
reason for the academic good
performance of our students. As
we speak, there is a hundred
Motheo TVET College has learning facilities for visually impaired students. percent pass rate in the disabili-
Photo: Sello Molekwa
ties group,” Odendaal continues.
The community of Botshabelo
who mainly come from impov- children in my family. I do not
– where Joyce comes from – is
erished backgrounds. Joyce is have a father and my mother is
experiencing its worst spell of
one of them. “NSFAS is paying unemployed and unwell, we live
youth drug abuse, alcoholism,
my tuition fees, accommodation with my two grandparents who
unemployment and crime, and
and travelling costs, and meal are pensioners, and my aunt,
this is where she believes she
expenses too,” she says as we who is also unemployed. I am
would be, had it not been for the
start the interview in a small the only one with any level of
support she received from
office in the college’s adminis- education in my family.”
NSFAS.
tration block. “I started my “I do not see any other way,” but
primary school at a school for Joyce is studying Human
with the help of NSFAS, she
learners with disabilities in Resources Management, and
wants to reach for her dreams
Thaba Nchu and went to a high was the top student in 2014 in
and come back to her commu-
school for learners with special the whole college across all
nity to encourage young people
needs, also in Thaba Nchu, faculties.
to have interest in education.
where I matriculated in 2012,” ''Joyce is studying Human
she says, “I am the first of two Resources Management, and
8
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017Student-Centred Model
-
INTO A NEW FUNDING ERA
UNDERSTANDING THE STUDENT CENTRED MODEL
2017
is the year improved accuracy in reporting, 2014 academic registration
in which and to ensure that the right period where students were able
the Nation- amount is paid to the right to apply for funding to finance
al Student Financial Aid Scheme student at the right time. In their studies; applications were
(NSFAS) is rolling out the addition, the model will benefit administered directly by the
Student-Centred Model on a full the student with a direct link to NSFAS Head Office. The new
scale for students at all public NSFAS, quicker processing of model is part of the recommen-
universities and TVET application, and quicker dations made in the Report of
colleges.The model, which processing and payment of the 2010 Ministerial Review
initially commenced with a pilot registration fees and tuition fees Committee on NSFAS.
implementation in 2014, will to the institution. Also, a student
The Student-Centred Model was
allow NSFAS to establish a will only need to apply once and
recommended by the Ministerial
direct relationship with the be funded for the entire course
Review Committee that was
students it provides financial of study, provided they pass
appointed by Minister of Higher
support to at public universities their studies within designated
Education and Training, Dr.
and colleges, as they will apply time.
Blade Nzimande in 2010, to
for funding directly to NSFAS.
The online applications that review the ways in which NSFAS
As announced by NSFAS previ- opened in August for the 2017 was operating, and make recom-
ously, the aim of this system is academic year, is the first step mendations where changes
to provide an improved online into the future. In 2012, a New should be introduced. The model
end-to-end capability allowing Student-Centred model was was piloted with approximately
faster process of applications, designed for piloting during the 15% of the NSFAS funded
10
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017student population in the 2014/2015
financial year. During 2014 and 2015 a
total of 11 pilot institutions partook in
the New Student Centred Model, 2016
there was 12 additional TVET Colleges
added as the Phase 2 Strategy.
“The Review Committee identified the
means-test as an area which needed
review and revision, and proposed
alternative proxies for identifying
which students are the neediest, and
deserve differentiated financial aid
support. More recently, the need to
differentiate students from low-in-
come or no-income families, from
students in the “missing middle” has
been recognised as an element for
further review as NSFAS rolls-out the
student-centred model” said Minister
of Higher Education and Training, Dr
Blade Nzimande.
The new model allows students to
apply directly to NSFAS for financial
assistance and not through institu-
tions of higher learning, as was previ-
ously the case.
The system allows a direct relation-
ship between NSFAS and the student
from the phase of first year registra-
tion, until the student graduates.Board
chairperson Mr Sizwe Nxasana
believes that NSFAS’ mandate is
simple and achievable – to provide
more benefit to the students,“I believe
that through guidance from the Board,
NSFAS will continue to improve the
efficiencies of its operations with
particular focus on improving the
service to students and tertiary institu-
tions. Measures to improve sound
corporate governance are being imple-
mented to improve the execution of
the NSFAS mandate” he said.
Photo: Supplied
11
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017INSIDE THE NSFAS CONTACT CENTRE
INSIDE
NSFAS
CONTACT
CENTRE
NSFAS Contact Centre staff taking calls during the 2017 applications period.
Photos: Sibusisi Ningi
I t is a hive of activity at the
NSFAS Contact Centre as we
walk in on a rainy summer morn-
Head of NSFAS contact centre –
says sometimes the number of
calls from students across the
at the country’s 26 public univer-
sities and 50 TVET colleges.
The new era brought with it
ing in Wynberg, Cape Town. country hits 300 per hour, quite a increased call traffic, which
More than 50 staffers are oper- daunting task. Just recently, the meant more resources and
ating calls in all South African arrival of the Student-Centred improved quality of service for
languages on their work Model meant that NSFAS took the contact centre, but one of
stations. You can barely hear funding applications directly the centre’s managers – Zaib
yourself think. Glenn Muller – from students wishing to study Johnson, who – says the new
12
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017era ushered new energy in the
team, “It’s an exciting time to be
working in the contact centre. I
feel inspired by what NSFAS
aims to do for our students,
motivated by the team’s energy,
and consistently driven by the
contact centre’s eagerness to
assist”, she said. Johnson, who
oversees inbound calls as well
as managing the internal recov-
eries team, added that good
customer service is the founda-
tion of their work, “that is why
we have ensured that the
agents are well trained and
willing to go an extra mile to
ensure that students are satis-
fied”.
NSFAS is responsible for provid-
on a daily basis and the Contact tive that we use the NSFAS
ing loans and bursaries to
Centre agents are always values as the base of our inter-
eligible students at all public
expected to express to show action with students”, said
universities and TVET colleges
professionalism, “Each situation Johnson. The NSFAS contact
in South Africa. Students call in
is different and therefore the centre opens six days a week
to enquire on applications,
approach taken would be differ- from Mondays to Saturdays,
applications results, sBux allow-
ent; however at the core of my operating from 08:30 to 17:00
ances, appeals, repayments,
approach I believe it’s impera- on weekdays and 08:30 till
account balances etc. Currently
16:30 on Saturdays.
the NSFAS contact centre
consists of 96 agents, 50 which
are temporarily on contract and
six recoveries agents that speak
all the eleven official South
African languages.
The NSFAS contact centre is
divided in three units, the unit
that deals with day to day
incoming calls; the unit that
makes outbound calls to debt-
ors for repayments; and the
back office that deals with
written enquiries and replying to
emails. “It gives me extreme joy
when we act as a conduit in
providing a quality service
experience to students. We
realise that we exist because of
the student and our purpose will
always be to strive to put the
student first”, said Glenn Muller.
Thousands of calls are received
13
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017LIST OF INSTITUTIONS THAT PROVIDE FUNDING TO NSFAS
SECTOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITIES (SETAS)
15
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017Khanya Xhongo successfully applied for NSFAS financial assistance for 2017.
Photo: Supplied
2017 NSFAS BENEFICIARIES
TELL THEIR TALES
Khanya Xhongo
I passed my
18 year old Khanya Xhongo was one of the 2016 best
matric achievers in the Western Cape. She received
six distinctions, and was included in the Western Cape Edu-
cation Department 2016 National Senior Certificate Merit
Matric through List. “I first heard about NSFAS on television and decided to
apply for financial aid using my cellphone”.
commitment
Her NSFAS application was successful and Khanya is now
and studying her first year in Analytics at the University of Cape
Town. “It feels good to be funded by NSFAS, because it has
dedication” always been my dream to go to university” she said. When
she completes her studies, Khanya plans to become an Actu-
ary. #iGotMyNSFAS
16
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017‘supply new image'
Khanya Ndzuta Aphiwe Mrawushe
“One day “Now that I’m
I would like in the
to become a system,
Micro the money
Biologist” follows me”
K hanya Ndzuta is studying BSC Molecular
Biology and Biotechnology at the University
of Stellenbosch. She heard about NSFAS
M eet Aphiwe Mrawushe, a NSFAS funded
student from Matateile in the Eastern
Cape. Aphiwe matriculated in 2016 at Masi-
through her university and also through her bambane Secondary School and is now study-
brother, who is a NSFAS beneficiary studying at ing her first year in BSC Biodiversity and Con-
the University of the Western Cape. servation Biology at the University of the West-
ern Cape.
“I applied for NSFAS financial aid online and got a
confirmation from UCT that I have been She applied for NSFAS financial aid online
approved for funding”, because the money now during the application period in January 2017,
follows the student, Khanya decided to go and and she received an SMS confirming that her
study at the University of Stellenbosch instead. “I funding was approved. “I am pleased with the
am happy that I do not have to apply every year fact that I do not have to apply every year for
for NSFAS funding”. Khanya’s plan is to become NSFAS funding under the new Student Centred
a micro biologist. #iGotMyNSFAS Model”. #iGotMyNSFAS
17
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017KEEPING RECOVERIES
UP FOR A NOBLE CAUSE
REASONS WHY YOU MUST PAY YOUR NSFAS LOAN
By Christine Skoti
I t is a noble cause, but perhaps
one that not many students
see that way. NSFAS is not a loan
funding, and second is the money
collected from former students.
While there are former NSFAS
scheme that makes profits from beneficiaries who have fully paid
loan recoveries. Unlike traditional their student loans and others
lending entities such as banks who continue to make repay- anticipated level of collections,
and other financial services ments faithfully, there is still a and the fact that as a result of
providers, NSFAS collects what is large number who are earning an fewer than anticipated debtors
owed by a former student in order income but do not make any making payments, a number of
to lend to another who has a repayments at all. In the fifteen debtors continued not to pay,”
similar need. Provided this cycle years between 2002 and 2016, said Chief Financial Officer, Mr
goes uninterrupted, NSFAS does NSFAS disbursed funding to the Lerato Nage.
not take a cent from the process. tune of R000 000 and has been
That is the purpose and reason able to recover a total of more Since the launch of the recoveries
for NSFAS to collect repayments than R5 billion in the same period, campaign in October 2015 until
from former students who are leaving a shortfall of R000 000. end of February 2017, NSFAS
now gainfully employed or collected more than R393 million
running businesses. In order to promote the culture of in loan repayments. R110 million
repayments amongst the former of this amount was from payers
In recent decades, leaving many beneficiaries, NSFAS launched a who only started making monthly
disadvantaged students who recoveries campaign in October payments after the start of the
want to study further in limbo, as 2015, in which a repayments campaign. In the same period
they are unable to afford higher publicity campaign was stared NSFAS also collected more than
education fees. In 2016, govern- and rolled over to 2016. This R2 Million in account settlements
ment allocated R10 billion for campaign was started after from 38 debtors, with three of
NSFAS to fund needy students NSFAS noticed a decline in them making a settlement of over
for that academic year, and then repayments compared to previ- R100 000 each.
allocated R15 billion in 2017 – a ous years. For instance, in 2012
staggering increase of R5 billion NSFAS collected more than R538 This group of beneficiaries made
from year to year. However, the million in loan repayments, recov- individual payments that ranged
cost of higher education is such ered more than R530 million in from R27 607 to R125 434. More
that NSFAS was only able to fund 2013, and collected more than than 25 123 NSFAS beneficiaries
405 000 students at universities R338 million in 2014. However, in who never repaid their loans since
and TVET colleges in 2016 from 2015 the collection declined to gaining employment, came
the R10 billion. just more than R247 million, less forward to repay their loans.
than half the collected amount
This means that in addition to three years before.
government’s funding, NSFAS As at 31 March 2016, the entity
needs other streams of fund recorded a loan book with a
raising in order to increase its cumulative nominal value of
Debtors who need to initiate repayments or
funding pool. There are two, first R24.2 billion and a fair value of have enquires are encouraged to contact
is the independent funders from R7.2 billion. “This was primarily NSFAS on
whom NSFAS sources additional due to the significantly lower than recoveries@nsfas.org.za or call 0860067327.
18
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017WHY YOU MUST SIGN YOUR LAF OR SOP
H igher education students that the student has not accept- Credit Act 34 of 2005, that prior
who are entering public ed, or has rejected the financial to entering into any credit
universities or TVET colleges for support and expects it not to be agreement with a consumer, we
the first time, may not under- processed. This literally means must conduct a detailed finan-
stand actual reasons why it is when an agreement form or cial assessment on behalf of
important to sign their NSFAS schedule or particular has not the client. “Now that we have
documents such as the loan been signed, funding allowanc- done that, we are appealing to
agreement forms (LAFs) at es will not be processed. the students to do their part and
universities or schedules of sign the agreements for their
particulars (SOPs) at technical In April, there were about 63 own benefit. No credit agree-
and vocational education and 000 students who had not yet ment can be concluded without
training (TVET) colleges. signed their LAFs and SOPs, the signing of the agreement
Following the approval of more and this prompted NSFAS to form and acceptance of the
than 450 000 students for issue a public call for these terms and conditions thereof,”
financial support for the 2017 students to come forward. “We spokesperson Kagisho Mamab-
academic year by NSFAS, a call on the 63 558 students, olo said.
common challenge was the who have not yet signed their
slow pace of signing LAFs and LAFs and Schedule of Particu- To sign a LAF/SOP, a student
SOPs. lars (SOP), to do so at their can simply visit the NSFAS web-
respective universities and site ww.nsfas.org.za, click on
When a student does not sign Technical and Vocational Edu- the SIGN YOUR LAF/SOP Link,
their loan agreement form, it cation and Training (TVET) and then enter an ID number
invalidates the student’s fund- colleges as soon as possible, or into the search engine. The
ing because the signed loan before 31 May 2017,” NSFAS details will appear on the
agreement forms is a legal con- said in a statement then. screen.
firmation that the student has “No loan advance will be made
accepted the approved financial unless the Loan Agreement has
support from NSFAS. Not sign- been signed. It is our responsi-
ing the agreement form is a sign bility, as stated in the National
20
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017HIGHER EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO INVEST R6.9BN
IN INFRASTRUCTURE IN 2017/18
T he Department of Higher
Education and Training
(DHET) will invest R6.9-billion
“R2.1-billion will go towards
studentaccommodation;
R1.47-billion towards the
was the inadequate funding of
the TVET college sector.
“There can be no radical eco-
on major new infrastructure refurbishment of current infra- nomic transformation without
developments at local universi- structureand backlog mainte- investment into TVET colleges.
ties and technical and voca- nance; R2.9-billion towards They need to absorb the
tional education and training refurbishing buildings at Sol millions of youths sitting at
(TVET) colleges in the 2017/18 Plaatje University[, in the North- home and they need to address
financial year. ern Cape]; and R248-million will the skills shortages the country
be allocated to historically is facing,” he said.
Addressing a media briefing disadvantaged universities,” he
ahead of the department’s said. Nzimande pointed out that
budget vote on 16 May 2017 in Nzimande added that a further studies have shown that 79%
Parliament, Higher Education R300-million had been budget- of TVET graduates find employ-
and Training Minister Dr Blade ed for priority projects identi- ment. ((Source: Business Day,
Nzimande said infrastructure fied by universities.He high- 17 May 2017).
investment was a major focus lighted that the biggest chal-
point for the department. lenge currently facing the DHET
21
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017Serving the
community
NTOMBI DUBE
A young girl in rural Bethle-
hem – east of the Free
State province – is taken by an
physiotherapist. She has never
heard of that name before,
surely no one in her whole
afford her tuition fees for first
year – so pricey was the course.
When it became evident that her
aunt’s friend to a physiothera- community has. That childhood mother was not going to keep
pist’s room. Not a planned visit visit planted a seed in little up for year number two,
at all. While the adult spoke to Ntombizodwa’s mind right up to Ntombizodwa lied in her bed as
the physiotherapist, the poverty her own adult years. reality began to sink in that she
stricken girl’s bright eyes are was facing a drop out situation.
gazing around the practice When she went to the university It worked on her nerves,
room. She is blown away by of Pretoria in 2011, she enrolled because she was doing well in
everything, from the door knob to study physiotherapy, “There her studies. In previous weeks a
to the artwork on the walls and were many of us wanting to do friend had randomly spoken
even the gloss magazines the course, but they took us about something called NSFAS.
spread out on the coffee table. through acceptance tests and The conversation didn’t go
She is blown away by even the only fifty of us made it, because anywhere then. But hard times
coffee table itself. But most of that is the university’s intake brought the name back to
all, she is blown away by the limit for each year for that memory. “I decided to go to the
professional adult person she is course,”. Her mother – on a office where NSFAS was taking
witnessing before her eyes. A teacher’s salary – could only applications,” she says, “I was so
22
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017depressed when I got there to
find such a long queue of people,
I almost lost hope, but didn’t” she
continues, “I applied and left like
others”.
Many weeks later, feedback
arrived. “I was lying in my bed
that day, thinking what was
going to happen to me, when an
SMS arrived from NSFAS, con-
firming that my application had
been successful. I jumped out of
bed, I was more than excited! I
got on the phone to call my
mom and tell her – because she
too was anxious, it is a moment
that changed my life”. We are at
the Hospital in Tshwane, to meet
Ntombizodwa Dube – a young
physiotherapist who is serving
the community and thriving in
her medical career so much that Ntombi Dube demonstrates part of her work
she is venturing into paediatric Photo: Molatelo Mokumo
speciality. bones, arthritis, epilepsy, cere-
many things. There is a lot of
medical education needed in bral palsy, torn muscles,
“I have always wanted a career children’s burns, premature
that could allow me to work with our poor communities and I am
happy to be doing that. I do not new-borns, the list goes on. A
people. I am very happy with my huge responsibility for a 28 year
work here at the Hospital just treat patients and refer
them, I speak to them on a old physiotherapist who only
because there is a lot of educa- graduated in 2014. Ntombizod-
tion that our people need. I personal level, in their language,
and you will be amazed how wa is married to an engineer,
educate my patients about the who is also a NSFAS beneficiary.
causes of their health problems, well they react after you have
and how they can help them- explained to them something
they didn’t understand,” she The NSFAS supported family
selves in the process of healing. has one kid and stays in Pretoria.
says, “I could be working at a
private or academic hospital, She has one advice for current
but there are many specialists NSFAS supported students,
“I paid back there already, the places where “Please pay back your loan as
medical specialists are needed soon as you are working,
my NSFAS because that money is needed
is here, in government hospitals
loan and settled where poor people come,”. On a to help another student who is in
normal day, Ntombizodwa sees the same situation you were in,”
assoon as she says, “I paid back my NSFAS
close to twenty patients, “The
I could, and busiest time is in the morning,” loan and settled as soon as I
could, and I am proud of that,
I am proud and that list includes babies and
children. because I understand the kind of
of that’’ work the money does in the lives
The hospital only has two of other disadvantaged young
physiotherapists, including her. people out there”.
It is very sad to find out how little Some of the patients she treats
knowledge people have about so are victims of stroke, fractured
23
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017DEFINING A
QUINTILE 1 SCHOOL
Photo: Sibusiso Ningi
A s part of its applications
requirements NSFAS
prioritises learners who come
3? In simple terms, quintiles
refer to the different levels of
poverty in schools. In order to
School Funding in 1998.
Quintile 1 refers to a group of
schools in each province that
from Quintile 1-3 schools. These allow poor children free basic caters for the poorest 20% of
are schools that are situated in education, government classi- learners. Quintile 2 schools cater
disadvantaged areas In 2016 fied schools in five quintiles, with for the next poorest 20% of
after opening for applications for quintile 1 schools catering for schools, quantile 3 caters for the
2017 funding, NSFAS the poorest of the poor learners third poorest group of learners,
announced a list of require- on one side, and quintile 5 and so on. In 2007 government
ments that qualify students to schools catering for the least classified quintile 1 and quintile
apply for NSFAS financial sup- poorest or richest of the learners 2 schools as no fee schools, and
port. One of the requirements in the five categories. this classification was expanded
was that learners from quintile to included quintile 3 schools in
1, quintile 2 and quintile 3 Quintiles 2 – 4 then differ in 2010. The number of learners
schools would fall in the priori- levels as such. The quintile accommodated in no fee
tized groups of learners to be system was introduced through schools increased by more than
considered for funding. What is the publication of the National 70% from approximately 5.2
quintile 1, quintile 2 and quintile Norms and Standards for million learners in 2007 to about
24
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017Xolani Gobelo of NSFAS addressing disadvantaged students during an outreach campaign.
9.2 million learners in 2015. 2013 were just less than 3 Norms and Standards for
Between 2010 and 2015, more million. In 2014 and 2015 the School Funding (NNSSF) deter-
than 1 000 schools nationally number increased to more than mines that Provincial Education
were reclassified into quintiles 3 million. Departments (PEDs) must
1-3 from quintiles 4 and 5; annually, subject to the availabil-
allocations to no fee schools In quintile 2 schools, there were ity of new data which is suffi-
were equalized at the level of 2, 749. 382 learners in 2013 and ciently reliable, consider review-
quintile 1 as from 2010. “The just under 3 million in 2015. In ing the poverty scores of
quintile system was introduced each of these three school schools and/or the poverty
through the publication of the years, quintile 3 schools had the ranking of a school and make
National Norms and Standards most numbers of learners of all the necessary adjustments to
for School Funding in 1998” five quintiles. Quintile 5 schools, effect equity.
Minister of Basic Education, Mrs where learners pay school fees
Angie Motshekga said in Octo- and all other related learning In addition to these annual
ber 2015. Poorer quintiles have activities, there were only about assessments by PEDs, the
higher targets than the less poor one and a half million learners in Department of Basic Education
quintiles. each of the three years indicated will continuously monitor the
above. implementation of the funding
According to the Department of policy and its impact on schools
Basic Education’s parliamentary In her reply to a parliamentary through surveys as well as
data of October 2015, learners question in October 2015, periodic reviews of the funding
who were enrolled in quintile 1 Minister Motshekga said para- system.
schools across the country in graph 107 of the National
25
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017Photo cred: Sello Molekwa
Participants speaking during the TVET communications forum in April 2017.
Photo: Sello Molekwa
COMMUNICATORS’ FORUM STEAMS AHEAD
By Sello Molekwa
T he Communicators Forum
is a platform where com-
munication managers and
ly rolled out by NSFAS.
Starting with communicators
from universities on Monday,
A total of 23 universities out of
26 attended the forum, which
was facilitated by NSFAS. The
spokespersons from all 26 22 April, the induction touched second day saw 47 TVET
public universities, 50 TVET on important issues such as colleges out of 50 attend the
colleges, National Student the central processing of fund- most interactive session of the
Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), ing applications by NSFAS; the two. TVET college communica-
and Universities South Africa means test evaluation of such tors raised challenges experi-
(Usaf) come together to applications to assess the enced around the signing of
discuss issues of common eligibility of applicants; the Schedules of Particulars
interests for the improvement communication processes (SOPs).
of institutional communication between NSFAS and students;
in the higher education sector. and the disbursement mecha- “We have not had the forum in
nisms of allowances by NSFAS. a long time and we thought
The last gathering of the forum that it was important to come
– which took place at Birch- The latter also highlighted together now and strengthen
wood hotel in Johannesburg students’ responsibilities in as the partnership again,”said
was held from 22 – 23 April as far as loan agreement forms NSFAS spokesperson, Kagisho
an induction on the new are concerned. Mamabolo.
student-centred model current-
26
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017/centre below:
27
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017LIST OF NSFAS FUNDED UNIVERSITIES
University of South Africa (UNISA) Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU)
University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) North West University (NWU)
University of Pretoria (UP) Rhodes University
University of Free State (UFS) Sefako Makgato University (SMU)
University of Limpopo (UL) Sol Plaatje University (SPU)
University of Venda (UNIVEN) Stellenbosch University
University of Western Cape (UWC) Walter Sisulu University (WSU)
University of Witwatersrand (WITS) Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
University of Mpumalanga Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
University of Fort Hare (UFH) Durban University of Technology (DUT)
University of Cape Town (UCT) Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
University of Johannesburg (UJ) Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT)
University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Central University of Technology (CUT)
28
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017LIST OF NSFAS FUNDED TVET COLLEGES
Buffalo City TVET College South Cape TVET College
East Cape Midlands TVET College West Coast TVET College
Ikhala TVET College Northern Cape Rural TVET College
Ingwe TVET College Northern Cape Urban TVET College
King Hintsa TVET College Flavius Mareka TVET College
King Sabatha Dalindyebo TVET College Goldsfields TVET College
Lovedale TVET College Maluti TVET College
Port Elizabeth TVET College Motheo TVET College
Boland TVET College Coastal KZN TVET College
College of Cape Town Elangeni TVET College
False Bay TVET College Esayidi TVET College
Northlink TVET College Majuba TVET College
29
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017LIST OF NSFAS FUNDED TVET COLLEGES
Mnambithi TVET College Tshwane North TVET College
Mthashana TVET College Tshwane South TVET College
Thekwini TVET College Western College for TVET
Umfolozi TVET College Ehlanzeni TVET College
Umgugundlovu TVET College Gert Sibande TVET College
Orbit TVET College Nkangala TVET College
Taletso TVET College Capricorn TVET College
Vuselela TVET College Lephalale TVET College
Central Johannesburg TVET College Letaba TVET College
Ekurhuleni East TVET College Mopani South East TVET College
Ekurhuleni West TVET College Sekhukhune TVET College
Sedibeng TVET College Vhembe TVET College
South West Gauteng TVET College Waterberg TVET College
30
Issue 1 Vol 1 / July – September 2017Account Enquiries For queries regarding accounts: Tel No.: 0860 067 327 | mail: accounts@nsfas.org.za Payment and Balance Enquiries For queries regarding payments and balances Tel No.: 0860 067 327 | Email: recoveries@nsfas.org.za Student Enquiries For all other queries regarding students Tel No.: 0860 067 327 | Email: info@nsfas.org.za Postal Address Students, University and TVET College documents Private Bag X4, Plumstead 7801, South Africa Tel No: 021 763 3200 | Email: media@nsfas.org.za
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