Blade promises to use R3bn of taxpayers' money 'wisely'

MINISTER of Higher Education, Science and Innovation Blade Nzimande has vowed to use every cent of the R3 billion budgeted to secure laptops for poor university and college students wisely.

Nzimande made the pledge when he outlined his department's preparation for the return of higher education students to their respective institutions in line with the requirements of Covid-19 Level 3 requirements.

He said universities and colleges have put in place measures which will ensure the safety of all returning students.

He also urged university and college management to facilitate the safe return of students to their residences including those in private residential sites.

While last month, science and medical-related courses students were allowed to return to campus at various universities, Nzimande on Tuesday said level 3 also now allowed all final year students who are due to graduate this year to return.

“It is critical that we adhere to these criteria to ensure that campuses are ready for students to safely return, and effective health screening, cleaning protocols are in place to keep everyone safe,” Nzimande said.

He maintained that other students would be taught through remote learning until they could return to campus.

At colleges, Nzimande announced that various categories of engineering students will return between Thursday and the last batch of N4 and N1 on June 22.

Business studies students will return on June 25 for N6; June 29 for N5 and July 6 for N4.

Level 4, 3 and 2 national certificate - vocational studies students will return respectively on July 13; July 20 and July 27.

Nzimande also revealed that all National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) recipients will be immediately allocated their free data for day and night time use. He, however, warned that data would be free for educational matters only.

Nzimande also used the platform to plead with students, staff and parents for patience due to the delay in providing laptops to all qualifying students by June 1 - last week.

He said in the meantime, students should use their cellphones to access the data and use the same gadget for their studies.

Detailing the reasons for the delay, Nzimande said: “We have agreed with National Treasury that given the huge amounts involved in the central acquisition of outstanding tablets, it is better to follow proper procedures than take short cuts, even if there is some delay, so as to properly account for the spending of taxpayers money.”

He added that his department would be commencing with the tender process to invite in an open tender system.

Nzimande also highlighted that they intended to secure service providers within two weeks - a shorter period agreed to by National Treasury.

“We are also finalising the process of verifying which National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) students already have acquired devices, in order to avoid mistakenly issuing some students with more than one device per student. We urge patience from both parents, staff and students. As we had said we are still committed that no student will be left behind in our effort to save the academic year. "  

Nzimande said interested parties would further obtain information from  Treasury on the requirements for bidding.

“The NSFAS will be the contracting party on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training. They will be using the NSFAS funding policy to ensure that they remain compliant with government policy and prescripts,” the Minister said, adding he will make further pronouncements as soon as service provider/s have been appointed and give clear timelines.