‘Missing middle’ plan will go to cabinet in April

Details of South Africa’s new student financial support plan remain fuzzy

The task team charged with finding a funding solution for South Africa’s “missing middle” students—who need financial support but whose families earn above the limit to qualify for state aid—will deliver its plan to cabinet at the end of April, the higher education minister has said. 

Blade Nzimande (pictured) was speaking at a meeting of Parliament’s portfolio committee on higher education, science and technology on 16 March. Officials have warned that the missing middle is the largest contributor to South Africa’s massive student debt of R16.5 billion.