The Financial Aid unit at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) hosted the ‘Know Your Funder’ campaign to educate and create awareness to students about matters concerning their funder, which is the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), at the Ritson campus Hall, on Wednesday, 13 March 2024.
Senior Financial Aid Counsellor under the Financial Aid unit, Mrs Thobeka Nzuza opened the gathering by welcoming students and explaining the purpose of the day.
“As we embark on a journey to unlock the doors to financial support and empower the students with the knowledge and support, they need to meet the NSFAS guidelines effectively. In this world where access to quality education is paramount, financial barriers should never stand in the students’ dreams and aspirations,” said Nzuza.
Nzuza assured students that as the unit, they are committed to ensuring that every deserving student can pursue their academic journey without any obstacles as NSFAS plays a significant role in making this vision a reality.
Mr Keshan Govender, also a Senior Financial Aid Counsellor at DUT delivered a keynote address unpacking the rights and responsibilities of students who are NSFAS beneficiaries.
“The investment made in you by NSFAS is not just financial, it is a belief in your ability to excel, to contribute and to make a difference. However, with the support comes great responsibilities. You are entrusted with this task of maximising the opportunity into the fullest. This means dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to your studies, seizing every chance to learn and grow and making the most of the resources available to you,” said Govender.
He also urged students to never forget the privilege of education and the opportunity offered to them.
Students Representative Council (SRC) Finance Officer, Mr Sihle Nkosi shared a message of support to the students and acknowledged the exceptional work done by the Financial Aid unit in minimising funding frustrations.
“I would also like to encourage you to approach this programme with an open mind and willingness to engage in it. Your effort to understanding your funder will not only benefit your financial decisions, but it will also benefit your academic life as well,” said Nkosi.
The event proceeded with a presentation from the Administrative Assistant under the Financial Aid unit, Ms Sphumelele Dladla taking students through the understanding and meeting the criteria for NSFAS funding. Dladla started off her presentation by giving directions to their offices, to all the first-year students who may need their services.
“We have three offices, one which is based here in Steve Biko campus at the lower library basement, we have two offices that are based in Pietermaritzburg. There is one in Riverside campus, there is also another one at Indumiso campus,” said Dladla.
She further explained the eligibility criteria and conditions that need to be met for a student to qualify for NSFAS funding.
“To receive funding the student must be a South African citizen and any student who receives a SASSA grant automatically qualifies for funding. For general students, the combined household income should not be more than R350 000 for the students to qualify for the funding and then for the disability students the combined household income should not be more than R600 000,” added Dladla.
Mr Sibusiso Sithole, Administrative Assistant under the Financial Aid unit at DUT unpacked his presentation that was based on navigating NSFAS appeals and allowances with ease. Sithole explained the types of allowances for NSFAS beneficiaries.
“If a student is funded by NSFAS, that student is eligible for various allowances, including travel allowance, living allowance and book allowance,” said Sithole.
Sithole also narrated the process of dispersing allowances, which is currently being done by the service provider called Izaga. He added that Students living in a private accommodation that is accredited by NSFAS will have their accommodation paid directly to their landlords.
DUT’s Mrs Sandra Moodley, Financial Aid Counsellor gave the vote of thanks to all students who were in attendance. She also encouraged students to visit the Financial Aid offices in Durban and Midlands campuses or visit the NSFAS website should they seek any clarity about their funding.
Caption: The DUT Financial Aid team at the event.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Thubelihle Dumakude
