Minister Buti Manamela leads final NSFAS application drive in George

GEORGE NEWS - Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela visited Thembalethu High School in George on Saturday 31 October, leading the final National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) application outreach drive for 2027 student funding ahead of the closing deadline.

The event formed part of a nationwide initiative by the Department of Higher Education and Training and NSFAS to help prospective students access funding opportunities for further education.

The outreach programme aimed to ensure that eligible students were not excluded from post-school education because of a lack of information, internet connectivity, documentation or assistance with applications.

Learners, parents, guardians and prospective students were invited to seek assistance with their applications for funding to study at universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges in 2027.

Olwethu Ntlakaza (George Campus SRC chairperson), Iva Cetyana and Marnus de Klerk of marketing and communication, and Dr Tercia Terblanche (principal of South Cape TVET College). Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

NSFAS officials were on hand to help the applicants complete and submit applications, resolve application difficulties and provide information about available funding opportunities. Representatives from the post-school education sector also provided information about study programmes and institutions.

Unexpected surprises

Excitement erupted among the learners when some were randomly selected to receive laptops during the event.

These unexpected gifts were particularly welcome as the learners were in the middle of their examinations. It brought smiles during a demanding period of the school year.

Sanelisiwe Ngelanga of Thembalethu High was one of the lucky students who received a laptop during the NSFAS outreach drive. She has applied to UJ, WSU and NMU to pursue studies in education, humanities or law.
Photo: Marguerite van Ginkel

The outreach drive also allowed prospective students and their families to engage with representatives from the higher education sector and obtain guidance on the application process.

Prospective students who were unable to attend the outreach drive could still submit their applications online at www.nsfas.org.za before the closing deadline.