The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has provided an update on its progress with the implementation of its student accommodation pilot programme.
NSFAS launched the student accommodation pilot programme earlier this year. The programme is aimed at ensuring that student accommodation service providers deliver accommodation that is accessible, decent, safe, and academically conducive for all students.
NSFAS believes the implementation of the accommodation pilot is a significant step in enhancing and improving the student accommodation landscape in 17 Universities and 23 TVET Colleges for the upcoming 2024 academic year.
In a joint statement with the South Africa Union of Students (SAUS), NSFAS provided an update on its accreditation processes.
NSFAS revealed that significant progress has been made in accrediting beds for NSFAS-funded students across TVET colleges and universities.
Out of a total of 40,522 beds registered on the NSFAS platforms in TVET Colleges, 32,272 beds have been accredited and are ready for occupancy by registered students. Additionally, approximately 8,250 beds are currently undergoing the accreditation process, indicating ongoing efforts to expand student accommodation options.
For universities, out of the total 72,241 beds registered, 43,581 have been accredited and are available for NSFAS-funded students. This leaves around 28,420 beds in the process of accreditation, suggesting continued efforts to enhance student accommodation infrastructure across higher education institutions.
NSFAS reminded institutions that they must allocate students approved for accommodation allowance to NSFAS accredited private student accommodation providers, before the allocation of accommodation to other accommodation providers.
All institutions have been provided with access to the NSFAS accommodation portal in order to view the available beds. Institutions must note that Accrediting Agents are continuing with the process of accreditation and the list will be updated daily.
Calls For Pilot To Be Abandoned
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has called for the suspension of the pilot programme.
OUTA believes the issue lies in NSFAS's decision to take control of student accommodation accreditation, a move that has led to significant delays and uncertainty. They say thousands of students are now at risk of being left without accommodation, with reports emerging of students resorting to sleeping on the streets due to NSFAS's failure to approve accommodation on time.
We are aware of students in Cape Town who have been spending the last two weeks sleeping on the streets since the NSFAS accommodation portal won’t allow them access to look for available accommodation. Landlords, in turn, are not allowed to give students access to accommodation without pre-approval by NSFAS
NSFAS Briefing
NSFAS announced that they will hold a joint media briefing with SAUS to discuss several matters about the 2024 academic year. This includes providing an update on the direct payment of allowances.
Following an investigation, it was recommended that NSFAS terminate contracts with direct payment service providers after it was found that there was inappropriate between NSFAS staff and service providers.
This presented a significant challenge as it will require the financial aid scheme to rethink its approach to the direct payment of allowances. This announcement was made approximately one year after the direct payment of allowances was introduced at Universities and TVET Colleges.
Despite several challenges, NSFAS vowed to continue the implementation of its transformative policies including the direct payment of allowances
