Student funding scheme debunks R630 000 claim
The scheme says misinformation about student funding could lead to consequences for those spreading it.
NSFAS has dismissed as false a viral social media claim that a student received a payment of over R630k.
In a statement, NSFAS said preliminary verification found that the image circulating online had been manipulated and appeared to be AI-generated, with no link to any legitimate transaction.
The scheme confirmed that no such payment had been made and reiterated that funding is not disbursed as large lump sums directly to students. Instead, payments are made to universities, which administer student allowances in line with approved funding guidelines.
“These systems are governed by strict financial controls and oversight mechanisms,” the statement read.
The scheme added that the individual behind the post appeared to have created the content for social media purposes, possibly to gain attention.
NSFAS warned that the spread of false or misleading information misrepresenting its operations is taken seriously and that it reserves the right to pursue legal action against those responsible.
Members of the public have been urged to rely on official NSFAS communication channels for accurate information.
