Manamela unpacks NSFAS overhaul

Post-School Education and Training task team to be established

- SIYABONGA SITHOLE AND SIPHESIHLE BUTHELEZI

MINISTER of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, yesterday acknowledged that the country’s Post-School Education and Training system remains challenged and fragmented, and he has committed himself to stabilising the embattled National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) within the next three months.

Manamela’s promise comes just days after reports indicated that the scheme's student accommodation management processes and the involvement of third-party partners are currently under a comprehensive legal review.

The announcement of the review came after the South African Students Congress (Sasco) reported last week that students had been evicted from a residence for EThekwini TVET college students because of challenges with NSFAS payments because of a delay in the submission of academic results.

NSFAS has said it is awaiting the outcome of this review, and once completed, it will implement the recommendations to enhance transparency, integrity, and efficiency in its payment processes.

Manamela, the recently appointed minister, who replaced Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, addressed the media yesterday on the state of the country's Post-School Education System and the department's vision for the sector.

To ensure a unified system, Manamela revealed that he has engaged all relevant stakeholders, including universities, colleges, TVET colleges, the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and other stakeholders.