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Gauteng Education MEC Expresses Sorrow Over Learner’s DeathSouth Africa Updates Financial Aid Criteria for 2024 Higher Education Students

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JOHANNESBURG - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed profound sadness following the death of a Grade 1 learner from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, who passed away after allegedly consuming biscuits bought from a local spaza shop. The tragic incident, occurring on Tuesday, has prompted a police investigation and a call for increased vigilance regarding children's consumption of food products from local vendors.

According to South African Government News Agency, the young girl began exhibiting health complications and vomiting in class shortly before the school break at 11am. Despite immediate efforts to contact her parents and summon emergency medical assistance, the learner was declared dead upon the paramedics' arrival. "Unfortunately, the learner was certified dead by paramedics upon arrival. According to information at our disposal, the parents confirmed that the child had consumed biscuits which were bought from a local spaza shop owned by foreign nationals," the GDE stated.

In response to this heartrending event, the department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to offer trauma counseling and support to students, staff, and the family of the deceased. MEC Chiloane has urged parents to exercise caution regarding their children's consumption of goods from spaza shops and called on law enforcement and municipal authorities to enforce stricter compliance and safety standards for such establishments. "We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident and extend our sincerest condolences to the family and school community," Chiloane said.

PRETORIA - Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr. Blade Nzimande, has officially approved the eligibility criteria and conditions for the 2024 National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which will apply to students at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa. This move aims to align financial aid provisions more closely with the varying needs of university and TVET college students.

According to South African Government News Agency, the 2024 NSFAS Eligibility Criteria and Conditions introduce modifications to the existing financial aid policy while preserving the core principles established by the 2023 NSFAS Board policy positions. These changes, recommended by the NSFAS Board, are particularly mindful of the distinctions between the bursary packages of TVET college and university students.

For the 2024 academic year, significant adjustments include caps on accommodation costs, with university-managed self-catering and private off-campus accredited accommodation limited to R50,000 in metropolitan areas and R41,000 in other regions per academic year. Similarly, the living allowances for TVET and university students have been set at R10,000 and R16,500 per annum, respectively, distributed monthly.

Minister Nzimande emphasized that these policy updates aim to progressively reduce the disparities between TVET College and university student support. Additional conditions specify that students transitioning between institution types or resuming studies after deregistration must reapply for funding. Furthermore, the continuation of funding will be subject to compliance with the N+ Rule, which relates to the allowable duration of funded study based on academic progression.

The policy also outlines academic eligibility criteria, mandating a minimum credit pass rate for both university and TVET students to qualify for continued NSFAS support. For university students, this includes achieving a 50% credit pass rate for the 2024 academic year and a 60% rate for eligibility in 2025. TVET students must pass a specified number of subjects to progress to the next level of their courses.

Special provisions are made for students with disabilities, including the approval of carers and compliance with documentation requirements by NSFAS. Additionally, the scheme must adhere to National Treasury and Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) guidelines, ensuring that all funding decisions and payments meet these regulatory standards.

The updated financial aid criteria represent a significant step in refining the support system for South Africa's higher education students, balancing the need for equitable access to education with fiscal responsibility and compliance.