Dear Mr Manamela,

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 same 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.

I have a disabled little brother who is also assisted financially by my mother who is a government worker - a teacher to be specific who is a single parent. I am going to bed advancing to my second year at Sol Plaatje University but I do not have means or funds to do so. I have applied to many bursaries only resulting in failure, I have also enquired with my institution about being put in the funding plans which means being taken to consideration for bursaries applied by the institution itself. I really want to go to university and I have already faced the adversity that comes with a gap year. Applying for the NSFAS loan was my hope to continue with my studies.

The NSFAS loan was introduced to address a critical funding gap and this offered renewed hope to many students within the “missing middle” who otherwise lacked access to higher education. 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, and we do not have the option to appeal. 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.

Registrations are closing soon and this leaves us not only academically stressed but emotionally too. We would sincerely appreciate any support, guidance, or escalation you can provide on this matter.

We remain hopeful that our concerns will be acknowledged and addressed. We are ready to cooperate fully and provide any additional information required.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter. We look forward to your response.

Warmly,
Phathutshedzo Michelle Mahada