The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has strongly condemned the exploitation and gender-based violence faced by vulnerable students. This was the government bursary scheme’s response to an article published by Sunday World on 16 February 2025, titled “Unscrupulous landlords demand sex from students.”
NSFAS, in partnership with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and eThekwini TVET College, will launch an investigation into the allegations published in the media and share the findings once the inquiry is complete.
It is alleged that the bursary scheme owes money to several landlords. In one extreme case, some landlords allegedly demanded sexual favours from students, threatening eviction if they refused.
In January 2025, the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) warned that it would not open its doors to NSFAS-funded students if the financial aid scheme fails to pay an outstanding R44 million it owes landlords.
NSFAS Administrator, Freeman Novamlo says it was unfortunate that the amount reported in the media was incorrect. The administrator admitted that while money is owed to landlords, it is not R44 Million. NSFAS is meeting with stakeholders to determine the actual amounts owed to accommodation providers.
I can confirm that there is an amount of R44 Million that was still outstanding recently and the teams are processing that payment. a
Support For Students
NSFAS intends to support affected students in pressing charges against landlords found guilty. If the investigation confirms the allegations, NSFAS will take strict action, including blacklisting and ending contracts with the implicated landlords to ensure student safety.
Should the investigations on the allegations against the landlords prove to be veracious, NSFAS will take decisive action, which may include blacklisting and terminating the services of the implicated landlords, to ensure student safety.
NSFAS expressed concern over Sunday World's decision not to include its detailed response to the issue. The scheme claims that the newspaper left out key information, leading to a misleading portrayal of the situation.
"In respect of students affected by the Close–Out project, where outstanding fees are payable by NSFAS, students should be allowed re-enrolment and details of the affected students are to be shared with the NSFAS Servicing teams deployed to all public universities and colleges."
