The Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Hon. Thembi Siweya, will lead National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) outreach programme through Career Expo in an effort to encourage Grade 12 learners in rural and remote communities of Hlanganani and Vuwani Circuits in Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo Province to apply for NSFAS funding. NSFAS is a government entity under the Department of Higher Education and Training established according to the NSFAS Act (Act 56 of 1999) to provide financial support to disadvantaged students who wish to further their studies at public universities or TVET colleges.
NSFAS representatives will conduct a briefing to Grade 12 learners on the NSFAS application process, verify their supporting documents, and help them to access computers and apply using the self-help online portal. Representatives from institutions of higher learning and training will be available to highlight some examples of what is currently available to Grade 12 learners beyond secondary school. This outreach programme speaks to one of the 7 priorities of Government, that is Education, Skills and Health.
This programme is co-ordinated by the Department of Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) in partnership with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) and provincial and local communicators and aims to serve as a platform to inform, educate and equip Grade 12 learners in rural communities of Hlanganani and Vuwani with information on NSFAS funding, career and job opportunities that they can access from government and private sector institutions and appropriate platforms.
During the programme, the provincial and district leadership and relevant stakeholders will amplify communication and messaging on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and Government Energy Plan to mobilise all sector support towards these programmes.
Source: The Presidency Republic of South Africa