We have requested objections first. We are continuing and I am putting Vote 15 of Higher Education and Training in front of the House.
Vote 15 - Higher Education and Training - put.
DA, EFF and FF-Plus objects.
Declarations of vote:
Ms D C Christians: Hon members the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NFSAS is one of the key institutions that government uses to help financially disadvantaged students to access tertiary education. Without this scheme many South Africans would have been without any form of tertiary qualification. However, we must note
and acknowledge that administrative hurdles at NFSAS currently face. These include: late funding disbursements; clearance of historical student debt; students still waiting for appeals; and lack of accommodation.
Furthermore, the following issues relate to NFSAS funding: accumulating student debts and the financial exclusion of students at universities and TVET colleges; student accommodation crisis, including student transport and student health services. It does not help that students' course fees are paid for but students are without viable accommodation and transport to their campuses. Making enough funding available for students with disabilities compromise student safety and security at campuses and ensuring funding is made available for security services at all institutions.
It is imperative for this department to pursue the undertaking of fixing NFSAS so that it can function more effectively for students and ensure a far smoother university career for our South African students. Thank you. [Applause.]