Minister Blade Nzimande has brought the SIU in to probe students who are allegedly defrauding NSFAS. Photo: GCIS / Flickr
SIU probing students allegedly defrauding NSFAS – Nzimande says
Minister Blade Nzimande revealed that there are around 35 000 students who are allegedly defrauding NSFAS and the SIU is investigating.
Minister Blade Nzimande has brought the SIU in to probe students who are allegedly defrauding NSFAS. Photo: GCIS / Flickr
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande has brought the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) in to probe alleged fraud.
Reports revealed that the investigation will be focusing on students who are allegedly defrauding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
NSFAS has already met with the SIU
ALSO READ: NSFAS to spend R47.3 billion in student funding
Minister Nzimande says there are 35 000 students who were ‘cheating’ as they were not eligible for NSFAS funding.
He stood behind NSFAS, explaining that this issue is not a failure on the part of the scheme. The Minister noted this revelation does not mean NSFAS is not functioning.
ALSO READ: SASSA *could* be part of NSFAS funding corruption – Nzimande
“By virtue of having picked up 35 000 students who were cheating it means that indeed NSFAS is functioning. Already NSFAS has discussions with the SIU. We welcomed the investigation by the SIU,”
said Nzimande.
The Minister says they hope that the SIU’s investigation will help in prioritising those who are funded and those who are defrauding NSFAS, reports SABC News.
“We hope that these investigations by the SIU will help us to prioritise those who funded and those who are actual defrauding NSFAS. The fact that there are these challenges does not deserve that NSFAS should therefore be regarded as a failure,” said Nzimande.
ALSO READ: Missing middle-income bracket will receive support, NSFAS to get R49bn
Higher Education Minister introduces National Student Financial Aid Scheme Mastercard
Last month, Dr Blade Nzimande, the Minister of the Department of Higher Education and Training, Science and Innovation, introduced an NSFAS Mastercard for the scheme’s beneficiaries next year.
Nzimande, officially announced the 2023 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding applications.
Speaking about the Mastercard, Nzimande said before becoming an NSFAS Mastercard holder, you are to be a fully registered student. The plan is for all beneficiaries to receive their allowances through the Mastercard.
The minister also addressed the technical glitches associated with the registration process. Read the full story here.
