I am concerned about the glaring weakness in African languages at our universities. I had consultations with stakeholders and am now ready to establish an advisory panel on African languages. It will advise me on how to strengthen the teaching, research and development of African languages in universities.
Last year, I announced the establishment of two task teams to explore appropriate models for new universities in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape. I expect full reports by the end of July, which will provide us with a way forward. I already have interim reports.
In November 2010, the Minister of Health and I established a two-person task team, consisting of Prof Makgoba and Dr Price, to review the impact on the training of health professionals of the merger which resulted in the establishment of the University of Limpopo. We have now received a report and house accepted its recommendation.
I have agreed with Minister Motsoaledi that we must undo this merger and re- establish Medunsa as a stand-alone medical university. We should also proceed to work towards the establishment of a fully fledged medical school in Polokwane, in line with the President's announcement of the establishment of an academic health complex in Polokwane. [Applause.]
We have agreed that a joint task team will be established shortly to look into all these matters. We therefore appeal to all stakeholders to fully co- operate with the process, which is going to take about 18 months in terms of undoing the merger, so that we are able to facilitate a smooth transition.
Regarding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, NSFAS, an announcement was made by the President on 8 January and was elaborated on in his state of the nation address regarding further assistance for FET students and final-year university undergraduates who qualify for the NSFAS. I also wish to announce further changes on NSFAS, aimed at making higher education more affordable.
In the past, NSFAS charged interest on student loans throughout the period when the students were studying. This has resulted in students leaving university with large debts. In future, NSFAS will start charging interest on student loans only 12 months after a student has graduated or left university. [Applause.] This will apply to all the NSFAS loans to students registered on 1 April 2011 and moving forward.
An amount of R200 million has been provided to enable NSFAS to grant loans to students who have completed their studies but have not received their certificates or graduated, due to outstanding debt. This will enable an estimated 25 000 students to receive their certificates and enter the job market as graduates. [Applause.]
All students who met the requirements for graduation between the years 2000 and 2010 and who are eligible for the NSFAS loans can apply for this special funding through their student financial aid offices. In cases of scarce skills, consideration may be given to honours students for such assistance.
A further R50 million has been provided for postgraduate students who require financial assistance to complete their honours, masters and doctoral degrees. These students will enter into loan agreements with the NSFAS and the money they pay back will be earmarked to fund future postgraduate students.
Despite the progress we have made in assisting students through NSFAS, I am very concerned that there are many former university students who have been blacklisted with credit bureaus by our public universities. Blacklisting prevents these young people from getting the start in life for which they have studied so hard. We have asked NSFAS to remove from the credit bureaux all the students they have blacklisted. My acting director-general is engaging the universities to do the same, especially for students who were recipients of NSFAS loans.
We are not encouraging a culture of non-payment, but will be engaging the National Credit Regulator further on this matter. We will also be approaching the South African Revenue Service, Sars, to assist us to trace the NSFAS beneficiaries who are now working but not paying their loans.
In my 2010 budget speech, I referred to the importance of career guidance information. I am pleased to inform you that a National Qualifications Framework, NQF, and career advice service was launched in January this year under the auspices of the SA Qualifications Authority, SAQA. The project has a website and a career advice helpline. It is developing guidance materials and is also producing a weekly radio programme in partnership with the SA Broadcasting Corporation (Education), broadcasting on nine regional radio stations in nine languages and reaching 2,3 million South Africans every week.
Finally, I'd like to thank the Deputy Minister, the acting Director- General, Mr Gwebs Qonde, and his staff, as well as staff in my Ministry for all their hard work. I'd also like to express my appreciation to the President and my Cabinet colleagues, as well as to the portfolio committee for their support. I still have 43 seconds, if Mr Ellis would like to ask me a question.
Kodwa-ke esifuna ukukusho ukuthi kuyo yonke le nto esiyimemezela namhlanje nesiyenzayo, siyenzela into eyodwa. Ukuze izingane zakithi ikakhulukazi intsha, zingasweli amathuba okuthi zikwazi ukuqhuba imfundo yabo, nokuthi ithole ukuqeqeshwa ukuze sikwazi ukuphethula siphinde siqede le nto engiqale ngayo, into eyaqala ngowe-1911. ngiyabonga kakhulu Sihlalo. [Kuphele isikhati.] [Ihlombe.] (Translation of isiZulu paragraph follows.) [But what we are presenting and doing today, is for one reason only. We are doing it for our children, especially the youth, so that they do not lack the opportunities to further their education. And they will be trained so that we are able to get rid of the issue I referred to earlier, an issue that started in 1911. Thank you very much, Chairperson. [Time expired.] [Applause.]]