Vox pop: Life after R14 million NSFAS scandal?
MELVILLE – University of Johannesburg students give their opinion on the 'millionaire student' and whether she can come back from the R14-million scandal.
A female student from Walter Sisulu University (WSU) – infamously known as ‘the millionaire student’ – was incorrectly credited with R14 million into her National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) instead of R1 400 in June and the error caused a social media frenzy.
In the few months the student had the money, she spent over R800 000 on ‘food’ and was eventually reported to NSFAS.
Many students, as well as other social media users, took to social media to vent about the incident. Some blamed the student and called for her to pay back the money, others said she should pay back the money only when president Jacob Zuma pays back the money he owes South African taxpayers.
IntelliMali, the company responsible for administering NSFAS funds has since taken responsibility for the misallocation of the funds, however, the company will still be investigated and a course of action still has to be decided as to what consequences the student will face.
The student has since been identified on social media by means of her photograph as well as her name which could negatively influence future study- and job-related opportunities.
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Northcliff Melville Times spoke to a few University of Johannesburg students to find out what whether they thought the student could repair her reputation at the end of the money saga.
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