These challenges prompted the South African Technical Vocational Education and Training Student Association (SATVETSA) to issue a stark warning to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), threatening action if student concerns were not addressed.
In response, Minister Nobuhle Nkabane convened a meeting with SATVETSA at Mpumalanga University, resulting in several key resolutions.
Minister Nkabane announced that parity between TVET college and university living allowances would be ensured. Crucially, all outstanding 2024 student allowances and accommodation fees are to be processed by 25 February 2025. Allowances for 2025 will be disbursed upon receipt of registration data.
Furthermore, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Appeals Committee is mandated to finalise all pending appeals by 28 February 2025.
Addressing Result Delays and Assessment Concerns
The DHET has also committed to resolving outstanding academic results. Minister Nkabane confirmed that a "mop-up" process for unresolved results will be completed by 26 February, with Umalusi's approval anticipated by 28 February. To address broader assessment concerns, the Minister will engage with examination officials.
SATVETSA had previously highlighted that thousands of students were defunded by NSFAS due to delayed results. The student association contested the DHET's claim that only two subjects had outstanding results, deeming it "heavily inaccurate."
They also criticised the exclusion of TVET college students from a 7 February NSFAS allowance payment run, while university students received payments. Additionally, they raised concerns about unpaid landlords, placing students at risk of eviction and exploitation.
Allegations of Incompetence and Corruption
SATVETSA has levelled accusations of incompetence and political favouritism against specific officials within the DHET and NSFAS. They further allege corruption in the accreditation of private student accommodation. These grievances led SATVETSA to issue a 48-hour ultimatum to Minister Nkabane, demanding immediate action or facing student protests.
Following the Mpumalanga meeting, it was agreed that SATVETSA would nominate a candidate to represent the TVET sector on the NSFAS Board.
However, the South African Union of Students (SAUS) has strongly objected to this composition, arguing that it contravenes the NSFAS Act of 1999, which stipulates student representation on the board. SAUS maintain that the current proposed structure, “violates the NSFAS Act of 1999, which requires student representation on the board.”
