
19 May 2021
NSFAS Board and PCHEST come together for students' sake during a working visit to the NSFAS offices
On Thursday, November 26, the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr. Blade Nzimande ushered in a new era for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as he announced the appointment of the new leadership set to assume the reigns at the end of the administration term this December.

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS’) Board met with the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology (PCHEST) at the NSFAS Head office on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. The main purpose of the meeting was to formally introduce the members of the Board to PCHEST and to provide an overall status update on 2021 funding.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme’s (NSFAS’) Board met with the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Science and Technology (PCHEST) at the NSFAS Head office on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. The main purpose of the meeting was to formally introduce the members of the Board to PCHEST and to provide an overall status update on 2021 funding.
The members of PCHET and the NSFAS Board were first taken through the NSFAS student journey via a student experience exhibition, where stalls were demarcated to cover the process of Application, Evaluation, Financial and Academic Eligibility, Appeals, Registration and Disbursement, Payment to students using the NSFAS Wallet as well as payment to students whose funds are channelled through their institutions.
During the exhibition, the NSFAS Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Andile Nongogo took the attendees through the entire process; providing process and system information at each stage the students’ application goes through before a funding decision is made.
As part of the scheme’s bid to better clarify the two methods of allowance disbursements in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, Ms. Vuyokazi Mafilika, NSFAS' General Manager for TVET Operations comprehensively unpacked the allowance payment process for students receiving their funds through the NSFAS Wallet and those receiving direct payments from institutions.
After the exhibition, the delegates gathered in a closed-door session during which the board briefed PCHEST on its plan to turn around the scheme and improve services to students. Thereafter, the Board Chairperson, Mr. Ernest Khosa, and PCHEST Chairperson Mr. P. Mapulane, MP, jointly addressed members of the media who were present.
“As a principle, the current Board recognises the value of continuous, constructive and consultative engagements with PCHEST, towards achieving the shared goal of turning the institution around for the benefit of the key stakeholder, the student," said, Mr. Khosa.