Assisting students still waiting for NSFAS
Johannes Selepe, who teamed up with another student to assist their fellow students with accommodation, transport and food while they wait for their NSFAS allowances.
POLOKWANE – In order to facilitate the National Certificate (Vocational) qualification, the Department of Higher Education and Training has made bursaries available. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme administers the bursaries on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
Through the FET College Bursary Scheme, the Department of Higher Education and Training aims to provide eligible students access to vocational education and training at public FET Colleges.
The Department of Higher Education and Training FET College Bursary Scheme’s funds are made available by government to assist students enrolled, or intending to enroll, at FET Colleges for NC(V) programmes, but are unable to fund their studies. Which is why students from Capricorn TVET College Seshego Campus applied for the bursary, but have not received their funds yet.
One of the students Johannes Selepe says 95% of students at the college have not received any allowance from NSFAS yet, they applied five months ago with no luck. “I was one of the lucky students who applied and received my allowance, but I really feel for the others because most of us come from poor and underprivileged backgrounds, and really need help from the government. That’s why I took it upon myself to assist my fellow students in every way I can, by teaming up with another student, Vanessa Maiwashe. We started an organisation called Living Life Of Leaving A Mark,” he said.
Within the organisation, Johannes and Vanessa ask for donations to assist students who did not receive their NSFAS allowances with food, accommodation and transport. “Our main objective is to assist those who didn’t receive their NSFAS allowances as of yet and are struggling to sustain themselves.”
BONUS contacted the Department of Higher Education Spokesperson, Ismael Mnisi, who handles all TVET Colleges and NSFAS issues for comment on the situation, but have not received any feedback.
