Pretoria - Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande has condemned the publication of a version of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) report.
The much-awaited report was recently handed over to Nzimande and a final draft of the summary of findings and recommendations of the committee was presented to Cabinet two week ago.
Nzimande said as per Cabinet practice, the report was marked as a secret document.
He condemned the publication of the document by a Sunday newspaper as it had not been finalised or released to the public.
"We view the leak as a discourtesy to the committee," said Nzimande.
He urged all parties to respect the process that has been set in place and to participate actively in the process of consultation which will be invited by him.
The final report will be released to relevant stakeholders and the media on 16 March 2010, when it will also be opened for public comment.
After an extensive process of public consultation, the recommendations will be presented to cabinet later this year for adoption, Nzimande said.
The NSFAS review is aimed at an incremental realisation of the right to free education for poor students at undergraduate level and what would be the best methods to achieve this.
