Former NSFAF beneficiary demands answers after blacklisting

A former Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) beneficiary and Windhoek resident (32), who prefers to remain anonymous due to the fear of victimisation, says he has been blacklisted without prior notice from the fund.

“I was a beneficiary from the year 2009 to 2012, and in 2015 I went to NSFAF to find out about my loan, I was told the office was busy relocating”, Michael* says.

He further claims that he has not received any calls or emails since.

“Last Wednesday, I was looking at my credit record because I am planning to purchase a house and a vehicle. That was when I discovered that I was blacklisted by NSFAF.

“My credit record has been clean and I am calling on NSFAF to explain the procedures before blacklisting. I am a tax payer,” he adds.

Michael further says he has not been permanently employed after graduation, although he was employed on a contract basis and could not afford to settle his study loan then.

“It was short term jobs, three months to another three, that later led to retrenchment during the Covid-19 outbreak. I only got permanent work last month,” he says.

Michael suggests a more lenient approach from NSFAF and says the fund should consider the current economic state.

“I am appealing to NSFAF to come to my rescue so I may be allowed to negotiate an agreement until my name is cleared from the blacklist.”

NSFAF acting chief executive Kennedy Kandume advises debtors and former beneficiaries to approach its office for further agreements on settling their loans.

“I want to clarify, we do not demand payment from debtors who are unemployed, and deceased debtors can be written off if brought to our attention and proof has been submitted,” he says.

However, when debtors become employed, they must settle their loan as failure to do so can lead to blacklisting as a last resort,” says Kandume.

Kandume further says it is up to debtors to come forward, explain and put the demand on hold, with valid evidence.

NSFAF in a public notice last Thursday urged all debtors to settle their loan accounts to avoid any negative implications.

Kandume says credit bureau regulations of 2014 required that credit performance data be submitted to registered credit bureaus.

This promotes transparency, accountability and responsible credit practices within the financial sector, he says.

The NSFAF provides financial assistance to eligible Namibians in the form of loans and grants to facilitate access to tertiary education.

*not real name

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.