NSFAS Rejects Claims of Delayed Payments and “Ghost Students” Beneficiaries

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has denied allegations of delayed payments to eligible students and disbursing funds to “ghost students”. The organization insists that allowances for all eligible beneficiaries have been dispensed on time, but extra security measures have been implemented to protect against fraudsters, causing a one-time delay in fund disbursements to universities. NSFAS has also adopted measures to streamline disbursement processes and enhance fund transfer efficiency, aimed at reducing delays and facilitating faster access to funds for students. The organization has dismissed baseless allegations made by former CEO Andile Nongogo and remains committed to assisting students in need.

Does NSFAS ensure timely disbursements to eligible students?

NSFAS insists that allowances for all eligible beneficiaries have been disbursed on time. The organization has implemented extra security measures to protect against fraudsters, causing a one-time delay in fund disbursements to universities. However, NSFAS has adopted several measures to streamline disbursement processes and enhance the efficiency of fund transfers, aimed at reducing delays and enabling faster access to funds for students.

NSFAS Ensures Timely Disbursements to Eligible Students

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been accused of delayed payments to students and giving financial aid to 157,980 non-existent or “ghost students.” However, NSFAS insists that allowances for all eligible beneficiaries have been dispensed on time.

In October, NSFAS disbursed R681,051,078 to 143,423 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college beneficiaries. Due to increased phishing threats, NSFAS implemented extra security measures to protect the system against fraudsters, causing a one-time delay in fund disbursements to universities. As a result, the disbursement schedule was slightly postponed, and funds for university students will now be released on November 1, 2023.

NSFAS has adopted several measures to streamline disbursement processes and enhance the efficiency of fund transfers. These initiatives are aimed at reducing delays and enabling faster access to funds for students. NSFAS Board Chairperson Ernest Khosa reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting the higher education community and its ongoing efforts to optimize the payment process.

NSFAS Denies Allegations of Supporting “Ghost Students”

The News 24 article claiming that NSFAS granted monthly allowances to 157,980 “ghost students” is inaccurate. NSFAS employs a strict Know Your Customer (KYC) validation process that examines various aspects of a student’s identity. This verification process ensures the correctness of student information, allowing only eligible students to access funds.

The rigorous KYC validation process offers several advantages, including remote verification through Electronic Biological Authentication and the option for in-person verification at the nearest campus. These methods cater to students’ preferences while ensuring that financial aid is disbursed strictly to legitimate beneficiaries.

NSFAS continually strives to improve its disbursement processes and enhance fund transfer efficiency to minimize delays and facilitate prompt access to funds for students. The organization will maintain its partnership with Direct Payment partners for allowance disbursement until an official communication indicates otherwise. Furthermore, NSFAS is committed to collaborating with educational institutions, students, and other stakeholders to guarantee a seamless and timely disbursement process.

NSFAS Dismisses Allegations by Former CEO Andile Nongogo

NSFAS asserts that the allegations made by former CEO Andile Nongogo are baseless and false. The NSFAS Board Chairperson has no intention of engaging in a public dispute with the former CEO, regardless of the inflammatory nature of the claims. The current priority is implementing recommendations from the Werksman report, which the Board is actively pursuing. In conclusion, NSFAS remains dedicated to assisting students in need and continuously working to enhance its processes for the betterment of the higher education community.

Has NSFAS implemented measures to prevent fraud and ensure transparency in disbursements?

Yes, NSFAS has implemented extra security measures to protect against fraudsters and ensure transparency in disbursements. The organization employs a strict Know Your Customer (KYC) validation process that examines various aspects of a student’s identity before disbursing funds. Additionally, NSFAS has partnered with Direct Payment partners for allowance disbursement, and the organization continually collaborates with educational institutions and other stakeholders to guarantee a seamless and timely disbursement process.

When will funds for university students be released?

Funds for university students will be released on November 1, 2023, due to a one-time delay in fund disbursements caused by increased phishing threats and the implementation of extra security measures to protect the system against fraudsters.

What is the NSFAS Board Chairperson’s stance on supporting the higher education community?

The NSFAS Board Chairperson, Ernest Khosa, has reiterated the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting the higher education community and continually enhancing NSFAS’s processes for the betterment of students.

What methods of verification does NSFAS employ to ensure the correctness of student information?

NSFAS employs a strict Know Your Customer (KYC) validation process that examines various aspects of a student’s identity. This verification process includes remote verification through Electronic Biological Authentication and the option for in-person verification at the nearest campus, catering to students’ preferences while ensuring that financial aid is disbursed strictly to legitimate beneficiaries.

Will NSFAS maintain its partnership with Direct Payment partners for allowance disbursement?

NSFAS will maintain its partnership with Direct Payment partners for allowance disbursement until an official communication indicates otherwise.

What is the priority of the NSFAS Board currently?

The current priority of the NSFAS Board is implementing recommendations from the Werksman report, which the Board is actively pursuing.

Is NSFAS committed to assisting students in need?

Yes, NSFAS remains committed to assisting students in need and continually working to enhance its processes for the betterment of the higher education community.

What is the aim of NSFAS’s initiatives to streamline disbursement processes and enhance fund transfer efficiency?

NSFAS’s initiatives to streamline disbursement processes and enhance fund transfer efficiency aim to reduce delays and enable faster access to funds for students. These initiatives include extra security measures to protect against fraudsters, remote verification through Electronic Biological Authentication, and in-person verification at the nearest campus.