Cape town: The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has dismissed as false and misleading a social media claim alleging that a student received a payment of R630 434.44 from the scheme.
According to South African Government News Agency, NSFAS stated that preliminary verification indicates that the image circulating online has been manipulated and appears to be AI-generated. It does not correspond with any legitimate NSFAS transaction. The scheme confirmed that no such payment has been made by NSFAS.
NSFAS revealed that the student in question created this content for social media purposes, likely to gain traction as part of content creation opportunities on digital platforms. The scheme further clarified that it does not disburse large lump-sum payments directly to students. Instead, funding allocations are paid directly to universities, which then administer approved student allowances in accordance with established funding guidelines.
The scheme emphasized that these systems are governed by strict financial controls and oversight mechanisms. NSFAS assured students, institutions, and the public that its systems remain secure and that no irregular payment or breach associated with this claim has occurred.
NSFAS warned that the creation and circulation of false or misleading information misrepresenting its operations is taken seriously. It reserves the right to pursue appropriate legal action against individuals who deliberately create or distribute misinformation that harms its reputation and integrity.
Members of the public have been urged to rely on official NSFAS communication platforms for verified information.