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.

The Keys To eThekwini

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 15 September 2026 3-minute read With a crowded mayoral race, deep service delivery issues, and the possibility of a fragmented council, the question of who gets the keys to eThekwini looms large for Durban residents. Having...

Newcastle Residents Take To The Streets

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 14 September 2026 3-minute read Burst pipes, water shutdowns, dishevelled pavements, uncut grass, and potholes that have turned into craters are compelling Newcastle residents to take their municipal bills and service delivery...

A Struggling ANC

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 10 September 2026 3-minute read Founder of Corruption Watch David Lewis pens in an article that the liberation movement is struggling as the ANC’s political transition falters. Speaking to Ml Junaid Kharsany, Lewis points out...

From Activist To Councillor

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 08 September 2026 2-minute read Hoping to take his activism into the council chamber, Ahmed Kayalsum, also known as Dees Ahmed, a resident of the Musgrave area in Durban for 33 years, has been an active community member for...

Don’t Give Up On South Africa!

08 September 2026 2-minute read Radio Islam is urging all South Africans to rediscover our resilience. With the commencement of our local government election coverage, we have one clear message for our listeners: Don’t give up on South Africa! As South Africa heads...

Moulana Ebrahim Bham elected JUSA president

Umamah Bakharia 8 September 2026 | 07:40 CAT 3-minute read The Jamiatul Ulama South Africa (JUSA) has concluded its elective Annual General Meeting (AGM), with Moulana Ebrahim Ismail Bham elected as its new president for the next four years. The AGM was held at the...