Dear sir Buti Manamela,

I hope this email finds you well.

My name is Tshegofatso , and I am a NSFAS loan applicant for the 2026 academic year. I am writing on behalf of myself and several other applicants who have the similar problem.

We applied for the NSFAS loan, which is specifically meant for students whose household income is above R350,000 but below R600,000 per annum. We applied in good faith, knowing very well that our parents’ or guardians’ income falls within this range.

However, after NSFAS reviewed our applications, many of us were incorrectly flagged for having a household income above R600,000, which is not true. We have made numerous calls and enquiries to NSFAS to resolve this issue, but we were informed that nothing can be done on their side, despite the fact that the information is incorrect.

This situation has left many deserving applicants in distress, as our applications are now at risk of being rejected unfairly. We would like to emphasise that we are not applying for a bursary, but for a loan, which we fully understand must be repaid. We are committed to honouring this responsibility.

We also have supporting documents, such as parents’ salary advice and payslips, which clearly prove that our household income does not exceed R600,000.

We kindly request your assistance or intervention in engaging with NSFAS so that our applications can be reviewed again fairly and accurately. Many of us wish to continue with our studies and work towards a better future, and this issue is currently standing in our way.

We would sincerely appreciate any support, guidance, or escalation you can provide on this matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email. We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,
Tshegofatso Mahlaela
NSFAS loan applicant
South Africa