27/10/2026
AMATHOLE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY AND ASPIRE PARTNER WITH NSFAS TO SUPPORT LEARNERS THROUGH APPLICATION DRIVE IN RAYMOND MHLABA
Amathole District Municipality (ADM), accompanied by its economic development agency, ASPIRE, in partnership with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the Local Education Forum, hosted an NSFAS Application Drive aimed at assisting learners to apply for financial assistance and check the status of their existing applications in preparation for their transition to institutions of higher learning.
The programme, led by Amathole District Executive Mayor, Cllr Anele Ntsangani, and ASPIRE Chief Executive Officer, Mr Avuyile Xabadiya, brought together learners from across Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality, providing them with an opportunity to access application support, obtain information about NSFAS funding and prepare for their post-school education journey.
The initiative reflects the commitment of the participating institutions to promoting access to education, empowering young people and ensuring that financial constraints do not unnecessarily prevent deserving learners from pursuing their academic aspirations.
Addressing the learners, Executive Mayor Cllr Anele Ntsangani encouraged them to take their education and future seriously by planning ahead, remaining focused on their studies and making full use of the opportunities made possible by democratic government.
The Executive Mayor also shared his personal journey, recounting how government financial assistance through the then Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), which preceded NSFAS, enabled him to pursue his studies and qualify as a teacher before eventually becoming the Executive Mayor of Amathole District Municipality.
He urged learners to appreciate the opportunities available to them and to use education as a tool for personal development, community advancement and the continued realisation of the gains of democracy.
ASPIRE CEO, Mr Avuyile Xabadiya, echoed the Executive Mayor’s message, highlighting the transformative role that student financial assistance can play in shaping the future of young people. He shared that ASPIRE’s executive leadership includes individuals who benefited from NSFAS funding, demonstrating the long-term value of investing in education.
Mr Xabadiya further reflected on his own educational journey, explaining how financial support from funding institutions helped him access higher education opportunities, including studying in China. He encouraged learners to remain ambitious, work hard and take advantage of available funding opportunities to pursue their academic and career goals.
He emphasised that education and skills development are essential to building a capable workforce and advancing socio-economic development across the Amathole District.
The NSFAS Application Drive forms part of broader collaborative efforts by Amathole District Municipality, ASPIRE and their partners to support young people in accessing educational opportunities and developing the skills required to contribute meaningfully to the region’s economy.
Through partnerships with local municipalities, education stakeholders and funding institutions, ASPIRE continues to support initiatives that advance youth empowerment, human capital development and inclusive socio-economic growth within the district.
Learners were encouraged to ensure that they understand the NSFAS application requirements, submit accurate information and regularly monitor their application status through the appropriate official channels.
