"In the past we have been aware of NSFAS challenges, but this time around this relates to late payments of allowances through the new system, and this has resulted in students not being able to buy food, pay rent and other important things. "Also they had issues with alleged exorbitant bank charges. The commission is assessing all the complaints, including how many we have received. Then a decision will be made on how we intervene to try to resolve this through meditation processes or investigation," said Gaum. Last week, Parliament was briefed by NSFAS about the direct payment system, and MPs expressed outrage over the problems. Higher Education and Training directorgeneral Nkosinathi Sishi said 115 complaints had been received against service providers Norraco Corporation, Coinvest Africa, Tenet Technology and Ezaga Holdings. About 44 were finalised and 71 allegations were still being probed. The scheme's board chairperson, Ernest Khosa, acknowledged there had been "teething" problems, but said they were being resolved. NSFAS is expected to return to Parliament soon to give an update on its plans to turn around the organisation.

Source: The Mercury