The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) launched its provincial Student Accommodation Roadshows on 7 August 2024 in KwaZulu-Natal. NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to eligible students enrolled in approved programmes at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa.
NSFAS acknowledged receiving complaints about unpaid accommodation allowance payments and the impact it has had on some students. With the aim of ensuring that students are not negatively impacted by challenges beyond their control, NSFAS announced plans to improve accommodation for NSFAS funded students.
These roadshows are aimed at providing a platform for NSFAS to engage with landlords housing NSFAS-funded students. This follows the pilot phase of the student accommodation project.
During the sessions, participants discuss challenges faced by landlords and explore solutions to improve the system for the 2025 academic year. The Department of Higher Education’s Sibongile Mncwabe emphasised that NSFAS is committed to ensuring the success of the student accommodation project.
NSFAS Administrator, Freeman Nomwalo expressed appreciation for the growing number of women in the student accommodation business. They stressed 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 highlighted 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.
The roadshow moved to the Western Cape in August at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Bellville. Communication challenges topped the list of concerns raised by accommodation providers in this region.
During the meeting, Head of NSFAS Communications Ishmael Mnisi, explained that NSFAS is working on improving its communication channels with accredited providers.
It is important 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 moved to the Free State.
In the Free State, Administrator Nomvalo addressed a variety of topics, including the importance of collaboration between accommodation providers and NSFAS, the role of ICT systems, and ensuring students reside in safe and conducive environments for their academic success.
Not every accommodation is suitable for students.
The roadshows provided accommodation providers with a platform to express 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 solutions proposed.
