In todays latest NSFAS News - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) welcomes the arrest of a former Student Representative Council (SRC) member from Rustenburg TVET College, who was apprehended by the Hawks Serious Economic Offences Section at their Pretoria headquarters. The individual is alleged to have defrauded first-year students of R14,000 in NSFAS allowances.
On 14 June 2023, the NSFAS Forensics Unit received a complaint from a student enrolled at Orbit TVET College in Rustenburg, reporting fraudulent transactions processed on the bank account designated for receiving NSFAS allowances. Upon preliminary investigation, the NSFAS Forensics Unit confirmed that the fraudulent transactions involved unauthorised transfers made into the bank account of the implicated SRC member. Further forensic inquiry established that multiple students from Orbit TVET College had been similarly affected.
Members of the NSFAS Forensics Unit subsequently conducted an onsite investigation at Orbit TVET College. With support from officials of the Serious Economic Offences Unit of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Pretoria, several criminal cases were formally registered for further investigation and possible prosecution.
NSFAS commends the swift action and collaboration demonstrated by law enforcement authorities. The assistance provided by the Orbit TVET College management to the investigators, as well as the support they have shown to the affected students, is highly commendable.
NSFAS reaffirms its commitment to upholding the integrity of the student funding system. We take any instance of fraud or misconduct extremely seriously and will continue to work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
We strongly appeal to all students to take the following precautions to protect themselves from fraud and exploitation:
NSFAS staff will never request a fee to process your application.
You should not pay any fee to any person to process your application or to follow up on the outcome, regardless of whether they claim to be NSFAS staff or not.
Do not share your personal information with anyone, including Student Representative Council (SRC) members, classmates, lecturers, or even those claiming to be NSFAS employees.
Always log out of your myNSFAS profile after every session, whether you are using your cell phone or a public computer.
Do not click on suspicious links or join online groups that mimic the official NSFAS profile. Only use the official NSFAS website and communication channels.
Do not submit your personal information on any unofficial platforms or links.
If you experience challenges with the myNSFAS system, please follow the official procedures communicated by NSFAS to resolve your issue.
Report any suspicious activity directly to SAPS and submit information on fraud or corruption identified or witnessed via email at: speakup@nsfas.org.za
NSFAS remains committed to protecting students and ensuring that financial aid reaches those who need it most. We urge all students to remain vigilant and help us combat fraud by safeguarding their personal information at all times.
Ends
For further inquiries, please contact NSFAS.
Enquiries: media@nsfas.org.za
Anele Ntswayi – Media Liaison Officer
Issued by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)
The Halyard, 4 Christian Barnard
Cape Town City Center, Cape Town, 8000
Private Bag X1, Plumstead, Cape Town, 7801
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