Financial relief fund to be set up for needy students

eTHEKWINI Municipality’s Executive Committee (Exco) has agreed to establish a tertiary student financial relief fund, which will provide funding to needy individuals who require registration fees or funding to settle outstanding fees.

With government spheres coming on board to assist the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), no deserving student will sit at home without a qualification.

It was with this understanding that Exco supported the establishment of financial assistance that will contribute towards addressing those in need.

Students will be selected largely based on the basis of outstanding academic achievements. Students will be notified by an award letter notification prepared by the city’s skills development unit.

Students who will be eligible to receive this award must:

• Be South African citizens;

• Reside in the eThekwini municipal area;

• Have been accepted to study during the 2014 academic year in any public tertiary institution;

• Enrol in a study programme which is in line with municipal career needs;

• Be from a disadvantaged background;

• Motivate why you require financial assistance.

“As the municipality we understand that it is a necessity for high school leavers to enrol into an institute of higher learning, therefore we are going to assist them by providing financial aid. This is aimed at providing relief especially for students requiring payment of registration fees at a tertiary institution. It is not meant to replace or compete with NSFAS,” said Mayor James Nxumalo.

For more details contact the municipal office on 031-311-1111.