The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) urges accommodation providers to refrain from evicting students and to collaborate with the scheme in submitting their accommodation claims according to the guidelines provided.

The scheme said that this cooperation is crucial to ensuring that students, who are often in vulnerable situations, maintain stable living conditions while pursuing their studies.

“The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has conducted a thorough assessment of its internal processes concerning the payment of legitimate accommodation claims, prompted by concerns expressed by accommodation providers regarding the submission and payment procedures,” the scheme said in a statement.

As a result of this review, NSFAS said it has made significant improvements to streamline the payment process.

“We are pleased to announce that the payment date has been moved up from 4th April 2025 to Monday, 31st March 2025. This adjustment reflects our commitment to provide timely and efficient support to students who rely on NSFAS funding for their accommodation needs.”

addressing the student accommodation crisis requires a collaborative approach across various sectors, focusing first on expanding and improving educational infrastructure, said Ayanda Seboni, the PPS executive mutuality and the PPS Foundation.

She said government should prioritise building more universities and high-quality tertiary institutions across the country as well as integrating adequate student accommodation as part of this expansion.

"This expansion must cater not only to urban centres but also to smaller towns, reducing the pressure on existing institutions,” Seboni said.

Universities also need to work closely with the government and the private sector to increase on-campus housing capacity while also regulating and monitoring off-campus accommodation to prevent exploitative practices.

“The private sector can play a role by developing purpose- built, affordable student housing while maintaining ethical rental practices. Non-profit organisations like the PPS Foundation can continue supporting students through bursaries that offer accommodation assistance, helping bridge the financial gap.”

According to Seboni, resolving these issues requires significant long-term investment, policy reform and a genuine commitment to ethical standards in the student housing market. It demands the willingness to address the root causes, not just the symptoms, of the crisis,” she said.

The mutual financial services company said resolving the student accommodation crisis would require a substantial financial commitment from both the public and private sectors. It said estimates suggest that billions of rands would be needed to expand university capacity, to build new institutions and to develop purpose-built student housing across the country.

“However, the solution goes beyond just funding-it requires a well-coordinated strategy that prioritises accessibility, affordability, and ethical practices in student housing.”

Seboni said the cost of constructing new institutions and expanding existing ones would be significant, but the long-term benefits of having a better-educated and more productive workforce far outweigh the initial investment.

“Collaborative efforts from universities, the government, private developers, and organisations like the PPS Foundation, which already supports bursary students with accommodation and financial assistance, are crucial for creating sustainable solutions,” Seboni said.

Last month, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) told "Independent Media Property" that it has a Student Housing Infrastructure programme seeks to build 300 000 beds by 2032.

The programme is managed by the Development Bank of Southern Africa(DBSA). It is currently in the second phase of implementation. This intervention will address the supply demand imbalances, DHET said.

NSFAS said it expresses gratitude to the accommodation providers, colleges, universities and student unions for their continued support and dedication to assisting students.

“Your efforts are important to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students. NSFAS remains committed to engaging with accommodation providers to identify and implement long-term solutions to the challenges facing the private student accommodation sector.”

For any the scheme said for further inquiries, the accommodation providers and students are encouraged to reach out to NSFAS through the designated communication channels.

Independent Media Property