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The Department of Military Veterans and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) today agreed at a meeting held in Pretoria, to fast-track the payment of fees for military veterans and their dependents including food, transport and books.

Currently 1600 military veterans and their dependents who are students across the country, are in receipts of education support from the Department through NSFAS, to the tune of 115 million rands.

Most of these students are at UNISA, Nelson Mandela Bay University, TUT, University of Kwazulu Natal, UJ and University of Venda, and had some challenges with the payment of fees which are currently being resolved.

“As the Department of Military Veterans, we are determined to make sure that the provision of quality education to military veterans and their dependents, as a basic human right is provided in a seamless manner so that they can achieve their academic aspirations. To that extend, we will work closely with NSFAS and other stakeholders to resolve some of the challenges faced” said Mr Max Ozinsky, Acting Director-General of the Department of Military Veterans.

On his part, Mr Victor Rambau, Head of Business Enablement at NSFAS said, “We call upon students to upload their SOP’s online and complete their forms so that there can be quick payment of  fees. Those that have changed their contact details should contact the Student Fund Aid officers in the various campuses to update their contact details”, said Mr Rambau

Senior officials of both NSFAS and DMV will visit UNISA and TUT on Monday, to explain to students and their institutions of the steps taken thus far, to resolve the challenges faced. Students are called upon to attend, details will be provided of the times and venues. A media briefing is expected to be held soon to outline progress made thus far and challenges faced to all stakeholders regarding education support for military veterans and their dependents.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the Department of Military Veterans