For Creamer Media in Johannesburg, I’m Sane Dhlamini.

Making headlines: Nzimande opens 2021 NSFAS applications, KZN social development officials suspended over PPE and, UIF will continue to process new claims

Nzimande opens 2021 NSFAS applications,

Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande officially opened applications for the 2021 National Student Financial Aid Scheme cycle.

This year, the NSFAS application cycle will run for four months starting from August 3 to November 30, and applications for 2021 funding will be done online via the myNSFAS portal as per previous years. Nzimande urged qualifying students to apply for funding on time.

He said NSFAS has reinforced its partnership with the Department of Basic Education to increase the NSFAS reach to learners in Grades 10 to 12.

KZN social development officials suspended over PPE

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has opened criminal cases and suspended a number of high-ranking officials over the procurement of personal protective equipment as well as blankets and soup.

This follows a damning forensic investigation report conducted into the procurement of the goods.

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala recently revealed there had been irregular expenditure amounting to nearly R30-million for PPE and blankets.

UIF will continue to process new claims

The Department of Employment and Labour together with the National Economic Development and Labour Council social partners have announced that the Unemployment Insurance Fund will continue processing new claims for April and May until a cut-off date is announced.   

A 14-day notice window will be given to employers and employees before applications close. The notice period will be announced.

UIF Commissioner Teboho Maruping said his department was working to ensure that all valid Covid-19 TERS claims for April, May and June are settled.

That’s a roundup of news making headlines today

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