NSFAS to investigate students selling vouchers for cash
The scheme will withdraw or block accounts of students selling their sBux vouchers.
WHILE it is illegal to exchange sBux vouchers for cash, some students at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) are selling their book allowance at a discount, on social media.
The sBux system was introduced by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), to pay eligible students their food, books, private accommodation and travel allowances.
This month, a student demonstration at the University turned violent when students from the institution’s various campuses descended on the Steve Biko campus demanding payment of their National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) allowances.
According to NSFAS Spokesperson Kagisho Mamabolo, students are not allowed to exchange vouchers for cash.
The scheme reserves the right to withdraw or block accounts of students selling their sBux vouchers while a full investigation takes place.
“Because of the nature of our business we try to always be ahead of fraudulent activities by sending out warning messages via SMS and publish scam alert messages on our social media platforms. We also urge students to look after their sBux pins and their cell phones as the sBux transactions are processed using their cell phones. We have also blocked and suspended students’ accounts which prevent students from accessing their sBux accounts and their sBux allowances,” said Mamabolo.
University spokesperson Alan Khan said management has engaged with NSFAS to look into the matter.
“The S-Bux allowances are controlled by NSFAS, and the Durban University of Technology (DUT) has engaged with NSFAS to look into the alleged exchange of allowances,” said Khan.
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Mamabolo added that the scheme has paid manual upfront allowances for books, meals and transport to approximately 7 600 students.
He also encouraged witnesses and victims to contact the Vuvuzela Hotline if they have been victims of or witnessed any manipulation of the sBux system and its allowances.
Vuvuzela Hotline is 0800 203 900, call back 072 595 9139 or email nsfas@thehotline.co.za
“There is no system that is foolproof, all systems including card systems and apps are open to abuse. Any suspicious or fraudulent behavior must be reported to NSFAS Fraud Hotline for further investigation,” he said.
Last year NSFAS recalled the book allowances of two students from the University of Venda following an investigation of several incidents of fraud involving some students from the university who were found selling their NSFAS allowance vouchers for cash.
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