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21 April 2021 | Story Financial Aid

Dear Student

Please take note that the NSFAS appeals process is now open.

FIRST TIME AND NEW APPLICANTS

First time1 and new applicants2 for NSFAS funding for 2021 whose applications were rejected by NSFAS must submit their appeal electronically on the MyNSFAS portal. Financial Aid offices may not accept manual forms for this group of students and may not submit manual appeals for this group to NSFAS. You will be able to track your status on the MyNSFAS portal.

SENIOR RETURNING/CONTINUING STUDENTS

Please see appeal form attached.

The following process is ONLY applicable to NSFAS returning/continuing students and exclude first time
and new applicants for NSFAS funding in 2021.

The following documents must be submitted from your “ufs4life” email address for your appeal to be
considered:
  • 1. Completed and signed appeal form attached herewith.
  • 2. Ensure that the relevant box indicating the reason for your appeal is checked.
  • 3. Signed motivation
  • 4. Supporting documents (e.g. Medical certificates, death certificate etc.) Your appeal can
  • unfortunately not be considered in the absence of documentation in support of your reason and
  • motivation for the appeal.
Please note that NSFAS confirmed that you cannot appeal if you exceeded the N+ period. You can only
submit an appeal for one of the reasons provided on the appeal form.

Please submit the abovementioned required documents as one single combined attachment in legible 
PDF format to your campus specific e-mail address below:
Bloemfontein Campus – NSFASAppealsBfn@ufs.ac.za
Qwaqwa Campus – NSFASAppealsQQ@ufs.ac.za
The closing date for submission of appeals is 30 April 2021 at 16:00 and no appeals will be accepted after
this date.

Issued by

Financial Aid

 

News Archive

National Human Trafficking Resource Line a victim-centred approach to combating crime
2017-08-24

Description: Beatri Kruger Tags: Beatri Kruger 

Prof Beatri Kruger, Adjunct Professor at the
UFS Faculty of Law. Photo: Supplied

As a response to the rising number of human trafficking cases in South Africa and around the world, key role players in various fields have pulled together to come up with workable solutions on how to stop the crime and assist victims. Some of the work being done by NGOs and law enforcement agencies has been supported by insights from research conducted in communities and by academic institutions. According to Prof Beatri Kruger, Adjunct Professor of Law in the Faculty of Law at the University of the Free State and experienced researcher in human trafficking, support for victims has grown in leaps and bounds with the help of the latest technology. More and better quality information can be collected to strengthen efforts of combating the crime,” she said.

One such technological development is the national Human Trafficking Resource Line, which provides various services, including information on trafficking activities, assistance to agencies working with victims of trafficking in persons (TIP), creating a network from which data can be collected, analysed, and activities tracked, in order to ensure the best service to victims.

The resource line connects callers, often victims of TIP or anonymous tippers, to service providers in social services, law enforcement, places of safety, medical facilities, and government agencies, especially during emergencies. 

Resource line a helping hand to victims

The resource line was established in 2016 and has replaced the previous helpline. This line provides more services and resources than just a helpline. Through partnerships, it works to strengthen local and national structures that can assist victims over the phone. 

Call specialists are trained by Polaris, an American company using international standards and protocols. The call specialists are available 24/7 to take reports of human trafficking confidentially and anonymously. They put victims in touch with service providers for health screening, counselling, and repatriation if they are from another country, and also assist with case management.

Empowering service providers is the key to success

Support for service providers such as NGOs, safe houses, and government departments in the network is in the form of skills training programmes for staff, and a referral system in various provinces around the country. There are good referral partners in each province, as well as provincial coordinators ensuring accountability regarding cases, mobilising services for victims, and coordinating the referrals and response.  

To strengthen the network further, services provided in each province are being standardised to ensure that the right people are contacted when handling cases, and that key stakeholders in each province are used. The strength of the provincial provider network is key to offering victims of human trafficking the services they need.

Human trafficking is a crime that permeates multiple academic disciplines and professions. Therefore, information collected from victims through such a helpline and collated by agencies, will assist academic institutions such as the UFS in furthering their research, while strengthening the content of academic programmes in fields such as law, law enforcement, social sciences, health sciences, and international relations.

The number to call for reporting or providing tips on TIP-related crimes and activities, is 0800 222 777.

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