Dear Portfolio Committee on Higher Education,

I live in Pretoria and my child studies at University of Cape Town (UCT).
My child was promised a bursary on numerous academic years (2000 - 2025).
These promises were during the undergraduate programme in 2000.
She is now in her masters' programme in 2025. She can, however, not register due to outstanding debt.
Written promises to that effect were relayed on the NSFAS Bursary Portal and per SMS.
None of the above promises were fulfilled.
The household has opted for a loan due to non fulfillment of the promises, and also made early withdrawals on pensions.
The UCT is now owed massive amounts as a result of the promises made.
The UCT has further enlisted the services of debt collectors, to recover outstanding amounts. They do not assist in the facilitation and fulfillment of the above promises.
Email messages to the SRC, remain not responded to.
Email messages to the NSFAS Administrator remain not responded to.
Email messages to the Administrator at UCT, remain not responded to.

I want NSFAS to fulfill the promises made. This will enable the household to re-pay the loan and also normalise the pension status on the early withdrawals.

A second child had to take a gap-year in 2023, due to finances. She is now registered in a private university, as we cannot afford to send her to a public university.

Relevant information in the form of emails sent to the various offices quoted above, is available for further intervention from your office. I may be contacted on 082 478 4842 or 082 502 0246.

Regards,