Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology; Dr Blade Nzimande; has apologised to students for the delay in the issuing of laptops.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has appointed bidders to distribute the laptops next year.
The minister blamed the delay on the fact that the department wanted to follow strict protocols in the procurement process.
The bidding process opened on 21 September and was finalised on 2 November. A total 140 bid proposals were received by the administrator.
They were sent for evaluation by two committees who shortlisted and appointed 5 out of those. The winning bidders will work closely with the department and the institutions.
What remains is the signing of the contractual obligations then the process will roll out in 2021.
The minister talking to the local newspaper said; "I thank NSFAS for finalising the process and note that given that the procurement process has been concluded much later than originally planned, the laptops will now be distributed in the new academic year."
The minister additionally spoke about the measures the department has put in place with regard to Covid19. The number of students that have been tested and those quarantined.
He pointed out the increased number of infections in institutions from Kwa-Zulu and the Eastern Cape. While pointing out that students have forgotten about the social distancing; washing of hands and using elbows in greeting one another instead of shaking hands.
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