The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), designed to cover tertiary education costs including accommodation, is facing student pressure to alter its payment policy. Currently, NSFAS pays accommodation providers directly. Students, however, are demanding that rental allowances be disbursed to them.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, cautioned against a hasty policy shift.
During oversight visits to TVET colleges, including Capricorn TVET College, Manamela heard calls for direct allowance payments. He explained that past direct payments resulted in student non-payment to landlords and subsequent evictions. Manamela also expressed safety concerns, warning that direct payments could lead to students residing in unregulated and overcrowded housing.
NSFAS Pilot Programme: Accredited Accommodation
NSFAS launched an accommodation pilot programme at universities and TVET colleges, aiming to provide safer, high-quality housing. This initiative works with accredited private providers via a digital platform.
Providers must list their properties on the NSFAS platform for accreditation. Once NSFAS deems the accommodation suitable, providers are approved to house students.
Manamela urged students to report unsatisfactory residences to NSFAS for accreditation reviews. He emphasised that the current payment structure prioritises student well-being over convenience, ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose.
I encourage ongoing engagement between NSFAS, colleges, and SRCs to find a practical solution that safeguards student interests without compromising financial accountability,
DHET and NSFAS Commitment: Addressing Challenges
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 said.
He further assured students that efforts would be made to ensure timely NSFAS allowance payments.
