While NSFAS has cited the prevention of collusion and price fixing by accommodation providers as the main reason for introducing the price cap, students have complained that the high cost of student accommodation has left them in a vulnerable position.
In a statement issued on Tuesday this week, the Economic Freedom Fighters Student Command (EFFSC) at the University of Kwa-Zulu-Natal has lodged a complaint against accommodation providers and universities at the Competition Commission of South Africa over the alleged collusion between the two stakeholders.
The student movement also acknowledged that NSFAS also plans to lodge the same complaint at the CCSA, but said that they still intend to move ahead with the complaint because they believe the scheme has been slow in holding the parties involved accountable.
“We note the statement of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) considering this similar course of action, however, has since remained mum on the matter. It is not enough to “mull” over this very serious matter”
Although the Higher Education Ministry has previously stated that the accommodation price cap decision is based on a compressive study, EFFSC maintains that the ministry has failed to address issues concerning costs of living and accommodation in Higher Education.
Despite this, NSFAS has also stated that they will continue to appeal to accommodation providers who are willing to stick to the R45,000 price cap for NSFAS-funded students.
