TVET Colleges NSFAS Payment Delays Urged by Deputy Minister

TVET Colleges NSFAS Payment Delays Urged by Deputy Minister. Dr. Mimmy Gondwe, the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, has called for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to address the persistent issue of delayed payments at Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Students have been complaining about financial delays hindering their academic progress and well-being due to mounting financial delays.

Recurring Issues at TVET Colleges

Dr. Gondwe highlighted several pressing challenges affecting students during her visit to Goldfields TVET College in Welkom. Among these issues, inaccurate or slow capture of students’ information contributed to payment delays. The Deputy Minister’s visit was part of the Department of Higher Education and Training oversight and monitoring responsibilities to assess how institutions can overcome these challenges.

Student outcomes are negatively impacted by delayed NSFAS disbursements, according to Dr. Gondwe.

Student allowances must be paid on time by NSFAS without any delays. Students are unable to focus on their studies because of these setbacks. In order to maintain dignity and well-being, learners need financial support to purchase basic necessities such as food and hygiene products.

Appeal for Institutions to Release Student Results

During the meeting, institutions withheld students’ results due to outstanding fees as another major concern. To facilitate job placements and career advancements, Dr. Gondwe called for immediate action to ensure that students receive their academic results promptly.

Student’s who are ready to enter the workforce face unnecessary barriers due to pending results. Students need to be able to access their results without undue delay, she said.

Additionally, the Deputy Minister expressed concern about historical student debt. Goldfields TVET College reported millions of rands in outstanding student debt, which has been difficult to erase. Financial stability and educational progress are further complicated by this issue.

Communication Gaps Between NSFAS and Students

She also expressed concerns about NSFAS’ lack of transparency and poor communication with students at Goldfields TVET College.

“NSFAS struggles with communication with students, which is one of its biggest challenges. Student leaders are not informed about internal issues, making it difficult to provide clarity or manage expectations. Students are often frustrated by their unresponsive emails and phone lines,” Thoabala said.

Expanding Oversight Efforts

It is part of a broader oversight initiative to assess and address challenges within the post-school education and training sector that Dr. Gondwe visited Goldfields TVET College. The itinerary includes visits to institutions in the North West and the Western Cape, ensuring a comprehensive approach to resolving recurring issues faced by students.

Conclusion

Academic success and career advancement continue to be hindered by delays in NSFAS payments, poor communication, and pending student results. Dr. Gondwe’s call for immediate action emphasizes the urgency of addressing these systemic issues.

South Africa education system needs to be enhanced by ensuring timely disbursements of financial aid, improving institutional efficiency, and fostering clear communication between NSFAS and students.