What Happened
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has prioritized education in the 2026/2027 medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF), allocating a significant portion of the budget to both basic and higher education. The total education budget amounts to R527.2 billion, with NSFAS receiving R54.3 billion to support students financially.
Why It Matters
The allocation to NSFAS is crucial for many university students who depend on this funding to cover their educational expenses. A recent viral TikTok video captured the moment students at Sol Plaatje University celebrated receiving their NSFAS allowance, highlighting the emotional impact of this financial support. The video, shared by user @oliviasithole63, showed students cheering as they received notifications of their R9,000 allowances, a moment that resonated with many viewers, including popular influencer Grace Mondlana, who expressed nostalgia for her own experience with NSFAS funding.
What’s Next
As the government continues to emphasize education funding, the focus will remain on improving school infrastructure and ensuring that financial aid reaches students in a timely manner. The NSFAS funding is expected to play a vital role in alleviating the financial burdens faced by students, enabling them to pursue their studies without the stress of financial insecurity.
