SAUS calls for NSFAS board to be dissolved

The call by the student body comes after the problems that students have experienced with the funding scheme.

SAUS Secretary General Vela Zimxolo says NSFAS flaws go back to as far as 2015.

"We have been having issues with NSFAS since its implementation of the new student centered model, the system has created many flaws in terms of many students not receiving their allowances on time.

"As you know there was a protest at the University of Venda with regards to meal allowances. That's a protest that went on for almost two weeks and has not been resolved.

ALSO READ: Pandor: No 'shambles' at NSFAS

"Students at the Nelson Mandela University have not received their food and meal allowances in seven months, you are speaking about a board that has not been able to resolve issues,” says Zimxolo.

NSFAS has been ordered by Higher Education Minister Naledi Pandor to put the 2019 funding applications on hold, as it attempts to clear 2018 backlogs.

Applications were supposed to open last week Wednesday.

Although SAUS does admit that dissolving the board may not immediately bring an end to the challenges at the scheme, it is the best solution.