The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) launched its provincial Student Accommodation Roadshows on 7 August 2024 in KwaZulu-Natal. NSFAS offers bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled in approved programmes at at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa.
NSFAS has acknowledged receiving complaints regarding unpaid accommodation allowances, which have negatively affected some students. To address these concerns and prevent students from being impacted by issues beyond their control, NSFAS has announced plans to improve accommodation support for students funded by the scheme.
The roadshows aim to create a platform for NSFAS to engage directly with landlords housing NSFAS-funded students. This initiative follows the pilot phase of the student accommodation project.
During the sessions, participants discussed the challenges faced by landlords and explored solutions to enhance the system for the 2025 academic year. Sibongile Mncwabe from the Department of Higher Education emphasized NSFAS's commitment to ensuring the success of the student accommodation project.
NSFAS Administrator, Freeman Nomvalo, expressed appreciation for the growing number of women involved in the student accommodation business. They highlighted the importance of maintaining opportunities for engagement, stating, "It would be a sad day if that opportunity is lost."
BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS 2025 Applications Now Open! CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Nomvalo also addressed the critical issue of student safety in private accommodation, urging providers to comply with the Department of Higher Education and Training's norms and standards for suitable housing.
In August, the roadshow moved to the Western Cape, with a stop at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Bellville. Communication issues topped the list of concerns raised by accommodation providers in the region.
At the meeting, NSFAS Head of Communications, Ishmael Mnisi, explained that NSFAS is working on improving its communication channels with accredited providers.
It is crucial for accommodation providers to load and accredit their properties to receive official communications. NSFAS is also establishing a dedicated helpline and email support system for student accommodation inquiries, with a team available 24/7.
BREAKING NEWS: NSFAS 2025 Applications Now Open! CLICK HERE TO APPLY
On 15 August 2024, the roadshow reached the Free State.
In the Free State, Administrator Nomvalo discussed various topics, including the importance of collaboration between accommodation providers and NSFAS, the role of ICT systems, and ensuring that students live in safe, conducive environments for their academic success.
Not every accommodation option is suitable for students.
The roadshows provided accommodation providers with a platform to raise concerns such as late payments and accreditation discrepancies. The initiative concluded with stops in North West, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and Limpopo provinces, where similar issues were discussed, and potential solutions were proposed.
