NSFAS ‘sits on SIU graft report’ on Free State TVET totalling R44m

Department claims it can't act until given findings

- By Bongani Mdakane

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has not submitted the findings of the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) into the controversial Motheo TVET College in Free State to the Department of Higher Education.

An intensive SIU investigation of the Thaba Nchu college found that the institution was withholding NSFAS bursary funds that had not been used. The scheme forwards bursaries to the institution of the student’s choice when funding is approved. On occasion, however, the student fails to register because they have been admitted to more than one institution, or opted for a gap year.

The funds are, therefore, supposed to be returned to NSFAS as unallocated.