The National General Council has decided that for 2023, amendments will be made to Nsfas guidelines, with a particular focus on the allowances students are receiving.
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) convened the 8th National General Council at the University of Mpumalanga from 10 to 13 November 2022.
It was at this meeting that amendments to the allowances paid to students who are studying through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) have been decided on.
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According to Nsfas, allowances are subject to annual increases determined by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), hence the reason why Nsfas is looking to increase the allowance amounts.
The General council resolved that for 2023, student allowances should be increased from R1500 to R2000, as the previous allowances have not been increasing, even though the buying power of money has been reducing due to economic conditions and the inflation rate; in addition, the allowances should continue to increase in the future, in line with the inflation rate to maintain and continue to support students.
Another major decision was that the allowances should be the same amount for all students completing their studies through Nsfas, regardless of whether they attend a university or a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college.
“SAUS understands that the price of bread or taxi fare is not different whether a student is coming from a TVET or university,” said the Union.
NSFAS had been engaging with student leaders, as well as stakeholders, while they were considering the increase of bursary allowances.
The Council has reflected on several issues affecting the higher education sector, the country, the continent and globally, with the meeting being characterized as “robust”, filled with high-level discussions and different presentations from various stakeholders as a mid-term review of the Union discussed in detail the political landscape, organizational and financial issues that affect the students of South Africa.
Demzyportal Ctaegory: Nsfas
