NSFAS - Unjust rejection of financial aid application

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Act 56 of 1999) claims to uphold a ZERO-TOLERANCE POLICY towards dishonesty, bribery, fraud, and corruption. Their stated vision is to operate as a model public entity within the post-school education ecosystem, providing equitable access to financial and other resources for eligible students in an efficient, transparent, and professional manner. However, in my experience, this vision seems far from reality.

As a student at The University of Pretoria (UP), pursuing a BA General degree with majors in Criminology and Psychology, I, Minke Velthuysen, have faced significant financial obstacles throughout my academic journey. Despite my efforts to secure financial assistance through NSFAS, I have been met with rejection on both my initial application and subsequent appeal. The reasons provided, concerning my mother's income exceeding the threshold of R350K and her status as an uncertified guardian, are inaccurate and unjustifiable.

My mother's income, derived from her job at the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, is a mere R248,286 annually and her monthly take-home pay of R7 067,12. This places an unbearable burden on her shoulders as she struggles to support me throughout my tertiary education. She is a single mother of two with no help or any effort from my biological father who had legally written me off in November 2013 at the age of only 10 years old (Proof available upon request). The rejection of my financial aid applications plunges me into a state of panic and despair, threatening to derail my academic pursuits and shatter my dreams of a better future.

I have demonstrated my academic dedication and potential by achieving pass rates of 75% in my previous years despite the financial hardships I face. However, without the necessary financial support, I fear that my aspirations will remain unfulfilled, condemning me to a cycle of poverty and deprivation.

The discrepancies surrounding NSFAS's integrity and their failure to align with governmental objectives raise serious concerns about their commitment to social justice and equitable resource distribution. It is evident that their policies and practices fall short of their professed values, leaving students like myself stranded in a sea of uncertainty and despair.

I implore you to consider my plea for assistance and support in rectifying this unjust situation. Any guidance, advocacy, or intervention you can offer would be immensely appreciated and could make a world of difference in my life and future prospects.
I eagerly await your response and remain hopeful for a positive outcome.