NSFAS payment delays: seeking student solutions for student allowances

1-minute read
04 January 2024 | 12:48 CAT

Image: Polity.org

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme is accused of failing to pay more than 1,000 North West University students their November 2023 allowance.

NSFAS has now confirmed payouts by the 15th of January.

Students’ organisation SASCO President Vezinhlanhla Simelane says NSFAS must put the needs of its beneficiaries first.

According to Simelane, this is not the first time NSFAS’ ability to pay student allowances has been scrutinised.

“It is not the first time NSFAS has committed to paying their standing fees for 2023. Before closing the year, NSFAS promised that they would ensure payment before the year ends,” says Simelane.

He said efforts to resolve the matter have so far failed.

Simelane says they are disappointed that thousands of beneficiaries are forced to write their exams on empty stomachs at various institutions, including the University of North West, the University of Venda, Durban University of Technology, and the University of Cape Town.

The student leader says the situation is dire, and a solution needs to be found soon.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round Up with Muallimah Annisa Essack.

Real Power Dynamics

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 03 February 2026 2-minute read As registration deadlines loom for homeowners to register rooftop solar and battery systems, anxiety around the electricity issue mounts. Prof Vally Padayachee confirms that the media statement...

Simply A Matter Of Following The Process

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 29 January 2026 2-minute read Following the horrific accident of 14 children who lost their lives when travelling in a scholar transport taxi, several provinces have swooped in to assess scholar transport vehicles, hundreds of...

ARV Supply Secured Despite Supplier Challenges

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 29 January 2026 The Department of Health has reassured HIV-positive South Africans that there is no shortage of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines, despite reports that two suppliers under the current ARV tender have...

GNU stability under scrutiny as local elections loom

Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za 3-minute read 28 January 2026 At the start of 2026, South Africa’s Government of National Unity (GNU) is projecting an image of calm after a turbulent first year marked by public spats and policy disagreements. With budgets...

The Media Lens

Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za 28 January 2025 | 12:14 CAT 2-minute read America bulks up forces in Gulf region The presence of American forces in the Gulf region has significantly increased due to escalating tensions with Iran. On Monday, the USS Abraham...

The ANC’s Bold New Plans

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 27 January 2026 1-minute read The ANC’s bold plans to strengthen service delivery at local government level and municipalities have been given the thumbs-up by government experts, on the condition that it is not only talk but...