Blade Nzimande says NSFAS budget will exceed R43bn this year This was a positive step in affirming the government's commitment to the poor and working class to provide free higher education, Nzimande said. Higher education and training minister Blade Nzimande. File photo. Image: Kopano Tlape/GCIS Funding for the National Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is expected to surpass an all-time high of R43bn in the 2021/22 financial year, minister of higher education and training Blade Nzimande said on Thursday. This was a positive step in affirming the government's commitment to the poor and working class to provide free higher education, he said.