R967m allocated to student historical debt, but not everyone is convinced
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.
Arghh...jiki jiki money is available to settle student debts ...because votes #NSFAS pic.twitter.com/Oxiys1dEtt
— Legare La Limpopo😍😍😍😍 (@verenquelly1) March 24, 2019
So, there is budget for free education#NSFAS pic.twitter.com/cjXXNCYtSy
— Clubber Lang (@KulKid_N) March 24, 2019
Government has allocated R967m to universities through @myNSFAS to fund 52 514 students who are currently studying but owing student fees. This is the first phase of addressing the historical debt issue.#NSFAS pic.twitter.com/B5sbcJNEe0
— Chief Erican (@EricanSA) March 24, 2019
#NSFAS
— BlackCornelius (@BlackCornelius4) March 24, 2019
Let's not vote ANC come May. I want to see something.
combi courts delivered timeously and nsfas debt writren off. the ruling party has never had to work this hard and this effectively to win the people over. desperate times.
— Morena (@Mothupiii) March 24, 2019
Smart political move by the ANC with this historical debt payment. Any political party that objects, risks losing the youth/student vote as well as the parents of struggling students. Also a slight distraction from the dismal, vote-leaking failure of #EskomLoadShedding #NSFAS
— SALUD (@Seb_Cremer) March 24, 2019
Nsfas is clearing debts
— Mpho_Only💫💞 (@Mphow_N) March 24, 2019
I hope they ain't play us like they did with the free higher education thing🚶💔 pic.twitter.com/8Jmvobc84j