NSFAS has only received 15 000 orders for NSFAS laptops. They do however expect for this number to increase as more students receive laptops. NSFAS was initially supposed to start delivering laptops in April.
NSFAS opened an online portal for students to go and order a NSFAS laptop so that they can access online learning. However, it was found that around 15 000 students only ordered a laptop, not as high as one would have expected.
NSFAS CEO, Andile Nongogo, has said that they expect to see this number increase once the first delivery is done.
The financial aid scheme has received their first shipment of 4600 devices and are expecting 60 000 more by the beginning of June.
Minister of Higher Education, Blade Nzimande, explained during his Budget Vote:
surging global demand for laptops triggered by the pandemic meant that NSFAS could not meet its planned delivery of the laptop devices for 18 April 2021.
This echoes what Nongogo said during a media briefing to introduce the NSFAS board, “shipping methods have caused a delay as well”. Shipments of medical supplies are being prioritised at the moment.
Nongogo then went on to explain that with the demand for devices to enable remote learning and working around the world, this then impacted the delay, along with the shipping of necessary computer components.
How To Order Your NSFAS Laptop Online
- Go to the NSFAS website
- Click ‘myNSFAS’
- Click the Online Order Portal
- Fill in the required fields
- Agree to the terms and conditions
To order online students are required to provide the following:
- South African ID number
- Student number
- Contact details
- Name of the institution they are registered at Campus name
- Home address
NSFAS is now said to be working on a revised timetable to deliver the laptops in batches until 30 September 2021.
For more info about NSFAS Application click here
