National
NFSAS funding increased amid probe into claims of fraud, corruption─── 05:46 Tue, 13 Jan 2015
Johannesburg - The Department of Higher Education has announced a countrywide forensic probe into claims of fraud and corruption in the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NFSAS).
Department spokesperson, Khaye Nkwanyana, says the probe will start at the end of the month.
He says this is after allegations emerged of collusion between students and some officials at universities in the Eastern Cape.
Nkwanyana says this alleged fraud had the effect of reducing the funds available for poor and disabled students.
Meanwhile, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has announced increased funding to NFSAS to cater for poor and disabled students.
Nkwanyana says the Scheme will be funding 205 000 first-time students as well as other eligible students at universities.
He says the Student Financial Aid Scheme will also be assisting 200 000 disabled and needy students at technical and vocational education and training colleges this year.
In 2014, NSFAS provided student loans and bursaries totalling over R8.3 billion.
AlgoaFM
Khaye Nkwanyana:
Nkwanyana:
