NSFAS announces R3bn funding for 'missing middle' students
The missing middle is the category of students who come from families with a total income of more than R350,000, but not more than R600,000 per annum.
National Student Financial Aid Scheme employees assist prospective students. Picture: @Facebook.com/nsfas
CAPE TOWN - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) says the "missing middle" students won’t be missing for much longer and will soon receive funding.
NSFAS and Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, told the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Tuesday that the long-suffering cohort of students, who can’t afford to pay but don’t qualify for funding, will finally be assisted.
Nkabane and the student funding agency were briefing SCOPA on the annual reports and performance of NSFAS and the National Skills Fund (NSF).
The missing middle is the category of students from families with a total income of more than R350,000, but not more than R600,000 per annum.
However, Nkabane said the government will now take care of this group with over a thousand applications.
"We, have 1,300 applicants that have applied for this funding. I believe we are getting there as the government," she said.
NSF's chief financial officer - Zama Khubeka - said his organisation will also channel funds to NSFAS for the missing middle.
"The other question was around the missing middle. After all the due processes were followed then we agreed that we will pay NSFAS R3 billion," Khubeka said.
He said the first tranche of R1 billion has already been paid to NSFAS and the remainder will be paid over the next two financial years.