Fees of student gone missing

Dear hellopeter

I started studying Education at CPUT (Mowbray) in 2017. In 2018 I received financial help from NSFAS. I was a recipient from 2018 - 2020. The bursary fully covered my fees. Books, travelling and food allowances was also given. I successfully completed my studies in 2020.

At the end of 2020 I noticed on my student fee account that I was in arrears of R39 275,00. I called financial Aid at campus to inquire about the outstanding amount. I was informed that, that was 2019 fees that was outstanding.

Please bear in mind that NAFAS allocate all our (all NSFAS recipients) funds to CPUT. Then CPUT distributes the funds to us. Our fees for the year is allocated to our student account. It’s not allocated to personal bank accounts. The fees for travelling and food allowances was distributed on a monthly basis to the respective recipients.

So why must I pay money that was never given to me directly? Money that NSFAS paid to CPUT. Why is no one at the finance office held accountable for the funds that was paid but not allocated to my student account?

Because of the POPI act I am not sure if I can disclose the names of the people that I have been in contact with via email. But it has been more than one individual from the Cape Town campus. Senior staff members. Also, I have the proof of payment. I even emailed it to someone at the financial office at the Cape Town office. All of this was in vein.

Also, the numbers don’t add up. In September 2021 the outstanding amount on my student fee account was R39 275, 00. However the amount paid by NSFAS for 2019 was R 40 875, 00. I know this because of the proof I got from the NSFAS offices in Wynberg. Today (17 November 2022)I received a Final demand letter via SMS that states that the outstanding balance is R38 985, 00. The letter also states that I have until the 30th of November 2022 to make arrangements.

I am at my wits end with this situation. It has been two years of endless phone calls and emails that has not resulted in any resolution. My biggest fear is how this threatens my credit record.

Hellopeter, is there anyway possible that you can help me? I really need help in this regard. I fear that this might put a demp on my credit record.

Thanks in advance