TUT students open case against NSFAS for allegedly using a fly by night system

A case of corruption has been laid against the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) over its decision to allegedly use a fly by night system that has service providers who do not even have a financial license.

Tshwane University of Technology Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President, Keamogetswe Masike, says they opened the case at the Pretoria Central Police Station.

Masike says it is concerning that some students are forced to go to bed on empty stomachs, while the Department of Higher Education remains mum.

Students from TUT have been protesting since last month over the new online digital banking service called eZaga.

The service, which is tasked with making direct payments to NSFAS beneficiaries, has come under fire since it was introduced.

Students from Stellenbosch are among those who have repeatedly raised concerns over it.

Masike says they want the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, to urgently address them.

 

Nzimande’s department has meanwhile denied responsibility, saying issues regarding the system should be directed to NSFAS.

Masike has, however, rubbished this claim, saying it is just an excuse to avoid taking accountability for a disastrous decision.

He says Minister Nzimande is just displaying childish behaviour.

 

Masike says they will intensify their protests should their calls for the scrapping of the system fall on deaf ears.