Higher learning institutions 'on track' for teaching, learning - Nzimande
The Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande is confident that the country’s universities and colleges have recovered from the setbacks suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nzimande was providing an update to Parliament on Friday on the state of readiness for the 2024 academic year.
Tertiary institutions have been plagued by a myriad of problems, including student funding, transitioning to online education and the alleged collapse of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
But Nzimande told MPs that his department has come a long way since Covid-19.
"Looking at where we come from, with the challenges that we are having, what this means is that we are back on track. Whatever challenges are in the system, our post-school education and training are working and providing education and other programs to both the youth and adults in the post-school education training sector."
He added that, despite the glitches encountered by NSFAS this year, the scheme continues to provide funding to thousands of students.
The financial scheme had been plagued by a number of problems, including delays in the payment of student allowances as a result of the new direct payment system.
NSFAS CEO Andile Nongogo was fired in October after an investigation into alleged irregularities at the entity pointed to a conflict of interest and irregular appointments.
Nzimande said NSFAS is one of the biggest achievements of the ANC-led government.
"Despite glitches in NSFAS, which we fully accounted for, NSFAS continues to fund hundreds of thousands of poor students, covering tuition, accommodation, food, book allowances, transport in some instances and monthly allowances.
"In fact, NSFAS is one of the biggest achievements of this government since 1994."
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