R1-billion allocated towards NSFAS outstanding debt
The Department of Higher Education and Training has set aside almost R1-billion to settle the historic debt of more than 50 000 NSFAS-funded students.
Minister Naledi Pandor made the announcement yesterday.
Pandor says the allocation is specifically for those who registered with the scheme prior to former President Jacob Zuma's late 2017 announcement of fully subsidised free higher education and training for students from homes with a total annual income of R350 000 or less.
These students were generally required to fund part of their costs themselves and when they were not able to do so, found themselves drowning in debt.
"You will find that in many instances funding was not sufficient to cover tuition, res and everything for the student. As a result, they accrue this debt. So we are focusing on students who were previously subsidised by NSFAS and are still in the system - meaning they are likely to graduate from this year until the the year 2022," spokesperson, Lunga Ngqengelele said.
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