The North-West University and NWU SRC are at a loss after students did not receive their NSFAS allowances due to irregularities with regards to service providers.

“NSFAS paid out allowances last night, but 20% of students did not receive their allowance,” Yikumba Andreas, President of the SRC states.

Andreas stated the following in a press release. “The SRC initiated an inquiry into the disbursement of student allowances at the office of the Executive Director of Finances and Facilities. The purpose of this inquiry was to clarify who would be responsible for disbursing these allowances, especially considering recent developments at NSFAS and their potential impact on the current process.

In response to our inquiry, we were informed that NSFAS would be issuing a circular to address this matter. On the 26th, NSFAS issued a circular confirming that the direct payment partners would continue to disburse allowances to students, and this disbursement would be managed through Norraco until further notice.

As per the contractual agreement between the payment partners and NSFAS, these allowances are supposed to be disbursed at the end of each month. However, the SRC has not received any confirmation from NSFAS or Norraco indicating that the payments have been processed. This lack of information is a source of concern for both the University and the SRC, as it appears that NSFAS is once again failing to fulfill their promises, and it is the students who are bearing the consequences of their inefficiency.”

Louis Jacobs, spokesperson for the NWU says that problems have been encountered since July 2023 when the payment method was changed. “The NWU has done everything in its power to sort out obstacles, which are not on our table, but problems are still encountered. Students are affected as they are unable to afford necessities.”

Andreas further states that the NWU is aware of the challenges that the students face. “On all 3 campuses there are soup kitchens to provide soup and bread for students,” Andreas states.

Andreas concludes by saying that it is quite clear that NSFAS does not have the interest of students at heart. “The approach of the SRC is to consult with NSFAS and then expedite the process, it cannot be that they pay late and not adhere to contractual agreements. NSFAS keeps on constantly failing the students,” Andreas says.