The Public Protector has raised serious concerns about systemic failures within South Africa’s student financial aid system, following an investigation into NSFAS, the Department of Higher Education and Training and institutions of higher learning. The investigation found recurring problems including delays in funding and allowances, difficulties with appeals, poor communication and governance instability — failures which have left some students struggling with food insecurity, accommodation and even accessing their qualifications. According to information reported by the SIU to Parliament,
investigations identified more than 40,000 students across 76 higher education institutions who had been improperly funded. The estimated value was approximately: R5.1 BILLION.

The Public Protector has raised serious concerns about systemic&nbsp;failures within South Africa&rsquo;s student financial aid system,&nbsp;following an investigation into NSFAS, the Department of Higher&nbsp;Education and Training and institutions of higher learning.&nbsp;The investigation found recurring problems including delays in&nbsp;funding and allowances, difficulties with appeals, poor&nbsp;communication and governance instability &mdash; failures which&nbsp;have left some students struggling with food insecurity,&nbsp;accommodation and even accessing their qualifications.&nbsp;According to information reported by the SIU to Parliament, investigations identified more than 40,000 students across 76&nbsp;higher education institutions who had been improperly funded.&nbsp;The estimated value was approximately: R5.1 BILLION.

METRO FM Talk with Faith Mangope