MINISTER of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane has called on students to align their studies with the country’s economic and skills demands to enhance employability and foster entrepreneurship.

Speaking recently, the minister emphasised the importance of strategic study choices.

“We just want to appeal to you learners that when you enrol, try to match our economic demand to the skills demand, so that we can produce graduates who are employable or rather choose programs that can lead you to entrepreneurial pathways,” she said.

The minister highlighted the significant role of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) in providing access to education for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“NSFAS provides bursaries and loans to eligible students at public universities and TVET colleges. We all know that the applications closed on 15 December 2024, but I wish to report that we have received 895,916 applications and provisionally funded to date 676,317. We are finalising the verification process for the remaining applications.”

To address registration challenges, the ministry has introduced a “quick query resolution mechanism,” involving senior officials from institutions of higher learning and NSFAS.

Minister Nkabane also announced a decision to regionalise services by creating an on-campus presence.

“You will see our mobile offices in all these institutions of higher learning when you arrive in any institution of higher learning throughout the country,” she explained.

The ministry has deployed officials to oversee operations and ensure a smooth start to the academic year.

“The ministry, together with senior management and executive teams, will be overseeing different provinces for a period of two months. In each institution of higher learning, we have deployed two officials to assist with student accommodation matters,” she said.

Reflecting on support for the “missing middle,” Minister Nkabane shared that 17 246 loan applications had been received and are expected to be processed by the end of February.

“This is subject to institutions submitting the required documents,” she noted.

The ministry is also prioritising appeals, with a plan to finalise them by the end of March.

“We want to assure you that we will provide a round-the-clock system monitoring capability to ensure higher education uptime to assist the registration process,” she concluded.

Some learners shared their thoughts on their NSFAS applications and the path ahead.

Ayanda Buthelezi, from Dedangifunde High School in Madadeni, said she was confident about starting her tertiary education.

“I did apply for NSFAS in September 2024. I received a response that I have been provisionally funded. I just accepted an offer with the University of the Free State, and I am happy that I am provisionally funded by NSFAS, so I may not encounter any issues when I go to school,” she said.

Zamajobe Sithole from oThongathi said she was still waiting for an offer from a university.

“I applied for NSFAS in October 2024. I received a response and I have been provisionally funded. I am very anxious about getting placement at a university.”

Andiswa Ngema from Seatides Combined School shared similar worries, citing challenges faced by non-SASSA students.

“I did apply for funding but I’ve not received any response at all. For NSFAS, I’m definitely anxious,” she said.

THE MERCURY