Nsfas recovers over R850 million following SIU probe

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) has recovered over R850 million after irregular payments to public universities and TVET colleges, following a Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probe.
A total of R2.06 billion was identified for recovery, with institutions like the University of Fort Hare, University of Pretoria, University of the Witwatersrand, University of the Free State, and University of Johannesburg implicated for various overpayments and duplicate claims.
Funds were repaid in installments in April and September 2024, with Nsfas implementing Auditor-General and SIU recommendations to improve controls and compliance.
The SIU’s investigation, authorized by Proclamation R.88 of 2022, continues, including legal actions to annul irregular contracts such as the Nsfas headquarters lease.