Issued by: Ministry of Education
15 May 1996
STATEMENT BY PROF S M E BENGU, MINISTER OF EDUCATION
I am happy to announce the signing of an agreement for financial support to an emergency student loan fund between the government of South Africa and the government of Switzerland. The Swiss Government has committed 2'000'000 Swiss Francs which will contribute to the establishment of a student financial aid scheme. This support will go a long way towards improving the access of disadvantaged South African students to higher education. This is a sound investment in the future of this country which will assist us in developing the potential of our youth.
The funds will be administered by the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA). Whilst the overall distribution of funds in terms of bursaries and loans shall be determined by the ministry, the Swiss government has stipulated that at least 50% of the funds shall be used for women students.
I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Swiss government and people for their unselfish contribution to the development and prosperity of our country. The bonds of friendship and solidarity between our countries remain strong and will be further strengthened by this new funding partnership.
I wish to assure the Swiss government that the funds shall be used exclusively for students financing and that a full account of the use of these funds will be given at the termination of the agreement.
For further information please contact Mr Lincoln Mali at: (021) 457 350 (office) or 083 251 4044 (cell)