According to a review compiled by the Department of Education, it indicated that for the thousands of students at the 50 public TVET colleges in the country, there were only 10% of beds available.
Universities are also facing the issue of fewer beds than students who are in need of being placed in the institution's student accommodation.
It is for this reason that many students have no choice but to search for alternative housing outside of the official residences.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) spokesperson, Kagisho Mamabolo made an announcement that stated:
Most institutions have a process of engaging private accommodation providers to support the students.
NSFAS will fund students who are staying at private accommodation but students will have to make sure that the accommodation is NSFAS accredited in order for NSFAS to pay for it.
Each institution has its own set criteria and policies when they select students to reside in private accommodation.
Mamabolo said private residences are not paid for directly by NSFAS but the institution/student would pay the residence. This will possibly happen after the student receives their NSFAS accommodation allowance to their bank account.
The Scheme has also made known to the public that in due course it will unveil its plans for private accommodation.
