Some CPUT students concerned over NSFAS 'missing middle' funding news
Their reaction comes after Minister of Higher Education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane told the Parliament Standing Committee on Public Accounts on Tuesday that funds will be made available to offer them government loans.
Prospective students interested in studying at the Motheo TVET College National Artisan Development Academy. Picture: Facebook/National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
CAPE TOWN - Some Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students have expressed concerns over news that "missing middle" students will soon be benefit from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)’s funding.
Their reaction comes after Minister of Higher Education Dr Nobuhle Nkabane told Parliament's Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) on Tuesday that funds would be made available to offer them government loans.
ALSO READ: NSFAS announces R3bn funding for 'missing middle' students
The National Skills Fund’s CFO, Zama Khubeka, told SCOPA this week, that R1 billion had already been paid to NSFAS for the benefit of the "missing middle" students.
Nkabane added that the department had already received more than 1,000 applications from students who were previously excluded.
The issue of the "missing middle" students being excluded from applying for government assistance is a long-standing one.
But this group of students will soon be able to enjoy the benefits of a NSFAS loan.
However, some CPUT students told Eyewitness News they were sceptical about the decision.
"It’s not going to be a feasible plan by government because it’s the same that became a rapture when President Jacob Zuma abruptly announced free education," said one student.
"The government has to develop education structure properly. It shouldn't be something that they decide themselves and just come tomorrow and just tell us," another student added.
Details of the decision and how it will unfold is yet to be explained by the Department of Higher Education.
In the meantime, the National Skills Fund said that another R2 billion would be paid to NSFAS over the next two financial years to cater for "missing middle" students.