R967m allocated to student historical debt, but not everyone is convinced

25 March 2019 - 08:04 By Odwa Mjo
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The government allocates more money to clearing historical debt for students who are currently studying.
The government allocates more money to clearing historical debt for students who are currently studying.
Image: Thulani Mbele

Indebted students breathed a sigh of relief as the government allocated R967m towards wiping out historical debt, but some have raised questions about electioneering.

On Sunday, the department of higher education and training announced that it will allocate the sum of R967m to settle student debt. 

The money given to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will settle the debt of 52,514 students who are currently studying. 

According to the department, the money will cover the debts of students who were funded by the previous NSFAS prior to the improved one implemented in 2018. 

The department's announcement was received well by many students overburdened by university fee debts.

Others questioned the timing of the announcement, seeing that political parties have rolled out their election campaigns as May 8 approaches. 


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