By Mathipa Phishego
(InsideOutNews) The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), through its representative Sihle Lonzi, has raised concerns about the administration of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including the impact of the proposed NSFAS Top Up on university students and payments made to advisors linked to the scheme’s administrator.
Lonzi said the EFF would raise questions about several issues affecting students, including the NSFAS Top Up, student accommodation arrangements and the remuneration of advisors appointed under NSFAS administrator Hlengani Mathebula.
EFF raises concerns over NSFAS Top Up
The EFF has criticised the NSFAS Top Up, arguing that it could leave many students with additional debt.
The party also raised concerns about alleged student accommodation “middleman schemes”, saying that the issue requires greater scrutiny because of its potential impact on students who rely on NSFAS funding.
The concerns come amid ongoing debates around the sustainability of student financial aid and the costs faced by students accessing higher education.
Questions over payments to NSFAS advisors
Lonzi also questioned why Mathebula allegedly paid his advisors through private companies rather than through the normal payroll system.
The EFF further claimed that the NSFAS Act requires the remuneration of both the administrator and his advisors to be approved by the Minister of Finance. According to Lonzi, such approval does not exist, these allegations have not been independently verified, and the relevant parties have not yet responded to the claims.
EFF calls for greater scrutiny of NSFAS
Lonzi said the alleged irregularities at NSFAS warrant a comprehensive investigation. “The looting at NSFAS will need a Madlanga Commission of its own,” Lonzi said, while calling for Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to be held accountable.
The EFF’s latest criticism adds to broader concerns around the administration of NSFAS, student funding, accommodation and financial management. Any determination on whether payments or appointments complied with the NSFAS Act and applicable financial regulations would ultimately require examination of the relevant records and approval processes by the appropriate authorities.