The much awaited report by the Ministerial Committee reviewing the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will be released for public comment by Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande next week.
The committee was tasked last year to assess the strengths and shortcomings of the current scheme and to advise the minister on the short, medium and long term measures to enhance student financial aid. This is in line with government’s mandate to promote equity of access and work towards providing free undergraduate education to students from working class and poor communities who cannot afford further or higher education.
The committee has conducted extensive work, consulting stakeholders and weighing various models which would improve the governance, management and operational capacity of the scheme. After the process of public consultation, the response of the minister and his recommendations will be presented to Cabinet later this year for adoption.
Details of the press conference:
Date: 16 March 2010
Time: 14h00
Venue: Imbizo Centre; 120 Plein Street; Parliament
For Gauteng based journalists, there will be a live link to Room 153; Union Buildings; Pretoria.
Enquiries:
Ranjeni Munusamy
Tel: 012 312 5555
Cell: 082 898 6082
E-mail: munusamy.r@doe.gov.za
Issued by: Ministry of Higher Education and Training
11 March 2010
