Grade 11 and 12 learners at Kutsalani Secondary School in KaBokweni, Mbombela, Mpumalanga, have received guidance on funding, post-school education and skills-development opportunities as Services SETA and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) took part in a student awareness campaign.
The engagement focused on giving learners practical information they can use when planning what to do after school, including how financial aid works, where to look for opportunities and how to protect themselves from fraud and misinformation.
For learners approaching the end of their school careers, access to accurate information can make an important difference when deciding between university, TVET education, occupational training and other post-school pathways.
Learners receive guidance on funding and study options
The campaign used presentations and direct engagement to introduce learners to opportunities available after Grade 12.
Among the topics discussed were NSFAS funding, post-school opportunities and skills development.
Financial support can be an important consideration for learners who want to continue studying but may not have the financial means to pay for their education.
The campaign therefore gave learners an opportunity to better understand the funding process and the importance of using reliable information when applying.
Learners were also encouraged to consider different career routes rather than viewing university as the only option available after Matric.
Fraud awareness forms part of NSFAS guidance
A significant part of the engagement focused on the risks associated with submitting incorrect information during funding applications.
During a risk-management presentation, NSFAS Risk Specialist Vuyani Daweti warned learners about practices such as submitting duplicate documents, providing false information or using another person’s details.
These actions can create serious problems for applicants and can expose them to fraud-related risks.
The warning is particularly relevant during application periods, when students may encounter people offering to “help” them complete applications in exchange for money or personal information.
Learners should be careful about who they allow to access their application accounts and personal documents.
Why applicants should protect their personal information
Students applying for funding may be required to provide sensitive personal and educational information.
This makes it important to understand exactly where information is being submitted.
Learners should use official application platforms, protect their login details and avoid giving another person unrestricted access to their accounts.
They should also be cautious about messages circulating on WhatsApp, Facebook and other social-media platforms that claim to offer guaranteed funding or admission.
Information should be checked against official sources before an applicant acts on it.
Learners encouraged to explore more than university
The campaign also highlighted occupational and artisanal career paths.
For some learners, a university degree may be the right choice. For others, vocational or occupational training may provide a more suitable route into the labour market.
Artisanal careers can also provide opportunities for people interested in practical and technical work.
Understanding these alternatives before leaving school gives learners more time to research admission requirements, qualifications and possible career outcomes.
Digital platforms can help learners find opportunities
Learners were encouraged to make effective use of digital platforms when searching for education and career opportunities.
The internet provides access to information about universities, TVET colleges, bursaries, skills programmes and other opportunities.
But having access to information is only useful if learners know how to distinguish reliable information from misleading claims.
Students should therefore make official websites their starting point when checking application dates, admission requirements, funding rules and other important details.
Career planning should begin before Matric results
The involvement of Grade 11 and 12 learners is significant because career and funding decisions often need to be considered before students receive their final school results.
Learners can use this period to research:
- Careers that match their interests and strengths.
- Required school subjects.
- University and TVET college courses.
- Occupational and artisanal training.
- Admission requirements.
- Available financial-aid options.
- Application deadlines.
- Documents required for applications.
Starting early can give learners more time to correct mistakes and prepare applications properly.
A message about persistence
Services SETA representative Lebogang Kotsi encouraged learners to make use of the information and digital resources available to them.
Kotsi acknowledged that circumstances can make the journey difficult but encouraged learners not to allow those challenges to determine their future.
The message was ultimately about taking responsibility for the opportunities available and actively looking for information rather than waiting for opportunities to arrive.
What learners can do after the campaign
Students who attended the session can turn the information into a practical plan.
A useful starting point is to identify several possible careers and then work backwards.
For each career, learners can determine which subjects they need, what qualification is required and where they can study or train.
They should then investigate funding options and note the application deadlines.
Learners should also keep their school documents and identification records safely stored so that they can access them when applications open.
Information can be as important as funding
Financial assistance can make further education possible for students who would otherwise struggle to afford it, but knowing how and where to apply is equally important.
The Kutsalani Secondary School campaign brought these issues together by combining information about financial aid with broader career and skills-development guidance.
For Grade 11 and 12 learners in Mpumalanga, the message is clear: planning for life after school should begin early, opportunities extend beyond a single education pathway, and applicants need to protect themselves from misinformation and fraud.
Source and reporting note
This article was independently written from information supplied about the Services SETA and NSFAS awareness campaign at Kutsalani Secondary School in KaBokweni, Mbombela, Mpumalanga.
The statements attributed to NSFAS Risk Specialist Vuyani Daweti and Services SETA’s Lebogang Kotsi are presented in the context provided for the campaign.
Editorial policy
Our editorial approach is to provide accurate, useful and independently written information for South African learners.
We distinguish between statements made by organisations and general educational guidance. We do not guarantee NSFAS funding, admission, employment or access to any particular programme.
Readers are encouraged to verify funding, admission and application information through the relevant official institutions.
Disclaimer
This article is intended for general information and public awareness. It is not an official NSFAS or Services SETA application notice.
NSFAS requirements, application dates, funding rules and supporting-document requirements may change. Learners should consult the latest official information before submitting an application.
Fraud awareness: Never provide false information, submit someone else’s documents or allow an unverified person to control your application. Be cautious of anyone requesting money or personal information in exchange for guaranteed NSFAS funding, admission or employment.
