By Lungile Ntimba
Since its inception in August last year, a student and stakeholder help desk launched by Higher Education Deputy Minister Mimmy Gondwe has responded to more than 20,000 queries.
The deputy minister established the help desk as part of the Government of National Unity’s commitment to support students and stakeholders in the Post-School Education and Training sector.
“I’m pleased to see the help desk positively impacting thousands of students and stakeholders,” Gondwe said in a statement.
“It became clear to me soon after I assumed office that there was no direct platform for students and stakeholders to escalate their queries and grievances.”
She said the desk has dealt with 20,377 queries, with a resolution rate of 81%.
It primarily assists with issues related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), delays in issuing results and certificates, and various administrative hurdles that students face across higher education institutions.
It also operates in close coordination with the department’s internal exam and diploma section, and TVET and university branches within the department and NSFAS.
Gondwe said the desk was currently being managed by two women, Lufuno Lidzhade and Lenah Moseri, in her office, however, they planned to transition to a digital system due to the growing number of queries.
INSIDE EDUCATION
