MPs want answers from NSFAS on student allowances, corruption
The higher education portfolio committee called for the urgent meeting with NSFAS following the dissolution of the agency's board by Minister Blade Nzimande.
The NSFAS logo. Picture: @myNSFAS/Twitter
CAPE TOWN - Members of Parliament (MPs) want answers from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) on student allowances and corruption when they meet the agency on Tuesday.
The higher education portfolio committee called for the urgent meeting with NSFAS following the dissolution of the agency's board by Minister Blade Nzimande.
Nzimande dissolved the board last week, for failing to carry out its responsibilities like ensuring the proper payment of student allowances.
The higher education committee welcomed the dissolution of the board by the minister while also calling for him to consider conducting a skills audit.
It has also applied to have an urgent meeting with NSFAS on Tuesday to address the current challenges facing students and institutions.
Committee member Chantel King said they must interrogate the issue of direct payments.
"And also, most importantly, what plans they have in mind in order to ensure that outstanding allowances are paid to students. We know there was an issue with TVET colleges."
The committee also noted the resignation of chairperson Ernest Khosa and called for investigations into allegations of corruption. It said those implicated in alleged corruption must be investigated even when they are no longer employed by NSFAS.