NSFAF under pressure

The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) finds itself under increased pressure as it continues to grapple with delays in disbursing non-tuition fees to students. Despite assurances made in April, NSFAF has yet to fulfil its commitment, leaving students burdened by financial uncertainty.In response to concerns raised by the National Union of Namibian Students (Nanso), NSFAF issued a statement saying that the payments would be made by the end of June.Pressure mountsAs the deadline approaches, the Affirmative Repositioning Students Command (ARSC) has once again called on NSFAF to uphold its promise."The ARSC has been reliably informed and subsequently seen the unconvincing statement issued by an unknown functionary of NSFAF on 8 June, where they attempted to give counterfeit hopes to students. We wish to remind the management of NSFAF that they are there because of the students, and such behaviours of theirs will not be tolerated," ARSC acting secretary-general Iyambo Onesmus warned.Onesmus claimed that despite NSFAF saying the contracts had been issued to the majority of the 2023 awardees, there are still reports of students who have not received their contracts.The ARSC also called upon NSFAF CEO Kenneth Kandume to ensure that students&#039; non-tuition fees are disbursed before the proposed pay date of 28 June.The ARSC urged Kandume to "get his house in order" and fulfil his commitment to the students.NSFAF data According to NSFAF, out of the 22 178 students approved for funding, 19 243 contracts were issued, with 16 689 students having signed their contracts.However, 2 554 students are expected to return their signed contracts, while 2 935 students have yet to confirm their academic registration for the 2023 academic year.Onesmus moreover claimed that many students have complained of not receiving non-tuition fees from as far back as 2019 up to 2022."We demand that NSFAF settle this fee within the next two weeks," Onesmus said. In its statement, NSFAF said the delays were due to delayed student invoices from institutions of higher learning that impacted the payment this year. IT support Additionally, the ARSC urged NSFAF to reinstate the laptop programme, which was initially introduced to support students during the global pandemic.Onesmus highlighted that although the pandemic is over, some students still have online classes, emphasising the continued need for laptops.HURRY: NSFAF is under fire as pressure mounts to pay students’ non-tuition fees. PHOTO: FILE

NSFAF under pressure

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-18

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NSFAF under pressure

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Namibian Sun 2026-02-18

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