NSFAS Urged to Act Swiftly Against Student Exploitation by Landlords

NSFAS Urged to Act Swiftly Against Student Exploitation by Landlords. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been called upon to take immediate action against landlords exploiting vulnerable students. Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, has strongly condemned reports of landlords demanding sexual favors from students in exchange for accommodation.

Addressing Student Exploitation in Housing

Deputy Minister Manamela expressed deep concern over these alarming reports, labeling the exploitation of students as deplorable. He welcomed NSFAS’s strong stance against these actions and its commitment to investigating, blacklisting, and terminating the services of any implicated landlords.

Emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and accountability, Manamela stated that institutions, accommodation provider associations, NSFAS, and the Department of Higher Education and Training must collaborate to ensure students have access to safe and dignified housing, free from any form of exploitation.

Reporting and Prevention Measures

Students affected by landlord exploitation have been urged to report any incidents immediately to their institutions, NSFAS, or law enforcement authorities. Manamela reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance approach toward those preying on students, assuring that necessary actions would be taken against offenders.

Progress in Student Registration and NSFAS Funding

Despite the troubling reports, Manamela noted that the student registration process for 2025 has been largely smooth, with only minor issues being resolved. NSFAS has implemented several measures to ensure that financially disadvantaged students can enroll without hindrance, including:

• Waiving upfront registration fees for NSFAS-funded students at public universities and TVET colleges.
• Allowing NSFAS close-out project students (those awaiting outstanding fees from previous years) to re-enroll, with institutions directed to submit their details to NSFAS.
• Permitting qualified NSFAS Loan Scheme applicants to register and secure accommodation while documentation is being finalized.
• Ensuring students with outstanding 2024 allocations can still register and graduate, with NSFAS committed to settling their fees.

Manamela acknowledged concerns regarding funding delays and assured students that NSFAS and relevant institutions are actively working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible.

Nationwide Monitoring and Student Engagement

To assess the progress of the academic year and address student concerns, Deputy Minister Manamela, as delegated by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, will conduct visits to Limpopo, North West, Northern Cape, and Gauteng over the next two weeks.

These visits will provide an opportunity for direct engagement with students, institutional leadership, and NSFAS officials to ensure issues related to registration, accommodation, and financial aid are effectively addressed.

Student Support and Resources

University and TVET college students facing unsafe accommodation conditions or experiencing exploitation are encouraged to report these issues to their institution’s student affairs office or contact the NSFAS helpline at 0800 067 327 or via email at [email protected].

Additionally, students struggling with registration or NSFAS-related funding concerns should seek assistance from NSFAS servicing teams stationed at institutions or engage with their Student Representative Council (SRC). Most institutions also provide counseling services and wellness programs, which students are encouraged to utilize for support.

Ensuring a Safe Learning Environment

“Our students should never have to endure exploitation, abuse, or obstacles in their pursuit of education. We will continue working with all stakeholders to create a safe and supportive learning environment,” Manamela assured.

Conclusion

Protecting students from exploitation is a collective responsibility requiring swift action and strong enforcement. By ensuring safe housing and accessible funding, NSFAS and institutions can create a supportive academic environment. Continuous oversight and student engagement remain crucial in addressing these critical issues.