SASFF Conference & 2nd AGM
7 & 8 September 2023 at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, KZN
The theme of the conference is “Analysing the current operational challenges that student finance administrators are facing”.
Conference Theme
The SA Student Finance Forum will again be holding its annual conference on Thursday and Friday 7 & 8 September 2023. This year’s conference will focus on the many operational challenges that student finance administrators are currently facing in terms of the politicizing of student funding, systems, collection of debt and managing responsibilities, with the main objective of the conference to share ideas and find solutions to manage and deal with these challenges. This year’s conference will be held at the Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, Kwazulu-Natal.
Gold Sponsor
Our Gold Sponsor is FNB
FNB Public Sector Banking offers public entities a banking partner to assist them in improving their financial governance and service delivery to communities while providing value-added benefits.
FNB acknowledges that higher education institutions play a vital role in shaping the future leaders of the South African economy.
As one of the fastest-growing sectors in South Africa, the education sector requires unique solutions and support from its financial partner.
FNB prides themselves in providing tailored solutions and building meaningful partnerships with higher education institutions.
Who should attend
The staff members from all universities and TVET Colleges, both public and private, involved with, or responsible for, the student accounts, student fees and debtors’ administration function as well as student financial aid administration, including third party service providers from the Finance, Student Funding, Banking, Credit Provision and Debt Collection sectors.
Conference Speakers/facilitators
The final programme for the conference can be downloaded here.
Breakaway Group Discussions
Break-away groups: Discussion topics (Note: SASFF Members are invited to still submit additional topics for this session)
- Impact of the Influence of Politics in Funding of Higher Education.
- Student loans – a realistic financial instrument to fund South African students.
- State of the national student financial aid scheme and its impact on student debt.
- Financial impact on graduating students – solutions and different methods.
- TVET Colleges break-away group – Ms Mercia Leeson, SASFF Director will facilitate discussions on “Preparations for AGSA Audit 2023 – Best practices”
Featured Talks & Speakers
7 September 2023 09h20 – 09h45
Word of Welcome
A word of welcome by the Chairperson of the Board, Mr Mzwakhe Matukane, University of Johannesburg
7 September 2023 – 09:45 – 10:05
Thobela Jemsana
Promotional presentation by the Gold Sponsor – First National Bank
Mr Thobela Jemsana, Regional Director: FNB Public Sector, KwaZulu-Natal.
7 September 2023 – 11:20 – 12:15
Ms Sive Sigcau
Team Leader: SD & Bursaries, University of Johannesburg
Latest trends on systems enhancements for Student Finance practitioners
7 September 2023 – 15:20 – 16:10
Mrs Nicolene Schoeman-Louw
Managing Director: Schoeman Law Inc.
The NCA and the prescription of student debt, the Prescription Act and releasing academic records and certificates once debt has prescribed and been written off against the provision.
7 September 2023 10h05 – 10h55
Marius Smith
Chief Operating Officer, Nimble Credit Solutions
Debt Recovery Strategies for Student Finance in a Changing Economy.
7 September 2023 – 14:10 – 15:00
Ms Gugu Ihenacho
Senior Assistant Director: Financial Aid, University of Pretoria
Implementing an income verification tool at University of Pretoria – aimed at students seeking funding, including the implications of the POPI Act.
8 September 2023 – 11h10 – 11h55
EVENTS
7
September
16:10 – 17:00 pm
Teamwork Fun Event – “Make a video clip” – Delegates from various institutions are allocated to teams for this event to promote interaction between colleagues of other institutions, and to win the prizes.
8
September
13:10 pm
Evaluation and lucky draw – You must be present to win this lucrative prize!
7
September
My favourite TV Show / Movie
Informal fun dinner & dance with Deejay
Time : 19:00pm – 23:00pm
Location : The Coastlands Umhlanga Hotel in the African Sky rooftop venue
Dress Code: Dress like a character/(s) from your favourite TV show or movie – prizes to be won 😊 (Dressing up is not compulsory – otherwise smart casual)
Wine and juice will be provided on the tables. There is also a full cash bar available. (No own liquor is allowed).