The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) covers tertiary education costs, including accommodation allowances to help students live near their institutions.
Currently, NSFAS pays accommodation providers directly. However, students are demanding a policy change, insisting rental payments be made to them instead.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela emphasised the need for caution in altering the payment structure.
During oversight visits to several TVET colleges, Manamela engaged with stakeholders at Capricorn TVET College, where students raised concerns about the current system.
He explained that NSFAS previously paid accommodation allowances directly to students. However, some failed to pay landlords, resulting in evictions. He also warned that direct payments could lead to students living in unregulated and overcrowded housing, raising safety concerns.
Ensuring Safe and Conducive Student Housing
NSFAS accommodation funding aims to provide students with stable, safe, and conducive living environments for their studies.
To improve student housing, NSFAS launched an accommodation pilot programme at select universities and TVET colleges. This initiative works with accredited private providers through a digital platform to ensure safer, high-quality housing.
Accommodation providers must list their properties on the NSFAS platform for consideration. Once NSFAS verifies the suitability of the accommodation, providers receive accreditation to house students.
Addressing Student Concerns
Manamela urged students dissatisfied with their residences to report issues to NSFAS for review.
He defended the current payment structure, stating it prioritises student well-being over convenience by ensuring funding is used as intended.
I encourage ongoing engagement between NSFAS, colleges, and SRCs to find a practical solution that safeguards student interests without compromising financial accountability
Commitment to TVET College Improvements
Manamela reaffirmed the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and NSFAS’s commitment to addressing financial aid, accommodation, infrastructure, and curriculum challenges in TVET colleges.
We must ensure that TVET institutions are not only centres of learning but also hubs of innovation and industry-aligned skills development,
He assured students that efforts will be made to ensure NSFAS allowances are paid on time.
