NSFAS faces mounting pressure as the Private Student Housing Association reveals a R44 million debt, risking the academic year for thousands of students.
Private Student Housing Association has told the National Students Financial Aid Scheme to pay its members to avoid disruptions to the 2025 academic year. File Picture: Brendan Magaar / Independent NewspapersThe Private Student Housing Association has warned that students may not be able to return to accommodations if the National Students Financial Aid Scheme fails to pay outstanding debt within the next 14 days.
In a statement on Monday, the PSHA board said the non-payment compromises the sustainability of running private accommodation businesses. “NSFAS recently informed all accommodation providers to consider housing students at their own cost for January, which is unfair to the accommodation providers since NSFAS does not pay student accommodation in December and January.”
The association said communication with NSFAS has become impossible due to unanswered calls and emails. Promises made have not been kept, despite the welcome dissolution of the NSFAS board in April last year and the appointment of a new administrator to make the organisation more efficient.A spokesperson for the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Camagwini Mavovana, said she would talk to the administrator and send a response.
In recent years, NSFAS faced many challenges, including unpaid loans from graduates, reduced funding for current students, and an ongoing corruption crisis. Institutions selected for the pilot project including private accommodation landlords, were expected to register on the NSFAS portal for accreditation.
South Africa Higher Education Debt
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nsfas Faces Challenges as Applications Surge for 2025 Academic YearThe National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) is grappling with a surge in applications for the 2025 academic year, exceeding 936,000. While loan and bursary schemes are in place, Nsfas faces challenges in processing applications thoroughly and addressing communication issues with universities. The article delves into these challenges, including concerns about governance, corruption, and the impact of delayed matric results on the academic calendar.
Read more »
NSFAS Facing Crisis as 936,000 Students Apply for 2025 FundingSouth Africa's National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is struggling to cope with a massive influx of applications for the 2025 academic year. Despite receiving over 936,000 applications, the organization is grappling with systemic issues, including outdated technology, data management problems, alleged corruption, and a lack of a clear turnaround strategy. These challenges threaten to delay funding, create accommodation issues, and jeopardize the academic performance of students who rely on NSFAS.
Read more »
The nine most expensive private schools in South Africa in 2025With a recent price hike for 2025, here are the nine most expensive private schools in South Africa - all charging over R350 000 per year.
Read more »
7,000 Students Face Eviction as NSFAS Funding Delays Spark OutrageThousands of South African students risk eviction from private accommodation due to outstanding funding from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) claims NSFAS owes them R44 million, threatening to evict over 7,000 students if the funds are not received within 14 days. The PSHA also criticizes NSFAS's portal and payment uncertainties, adding to student stress as the 2025 academic year approaches.
Read more »
Public Holidays 2025: How to Turn 20 Days of Leave into 47 Days OffThis article provides tips on maximizing your leave in 2025 by strategically taking time off around public holidays to achieve 47 days of vacation using only 20 days of annual leave.
Read more »
How to get 38 days off with only 15 leave days in 2025Maximise South Africa's public holidays to enjoy extended breaks, including a 24-day stretch in April and a nine-day December getaway.
Read more »