NSFAS Demands ‘Proof’ Before Settling Rent Arrears, Putting Thousands of Students at Risk of Eviction
Johannesburg – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has stated that any outstanding payments for student accommodation will only be processed upon the submission of valid accommodation claims.
In response to concerns about the potential eviction of thousands of students due to overdue rent, NSFAS addressed the situation on Friday, January 24, 2025, indicating that it “acknowledges” the position of the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) concerning unpaid accommodation provider (AP) payments.
This week, PSHA alerted that nearly 7,000 students might face eviction if NSFAS does not settle the outstanding R44 million in unpaid rent within two weeks.
PSHA CEO Kagisho Mamabolo remarked: “We agreed last year not to evict students on the understanding that NSFAS would clear the outstanding amounts by the end of the year. That commitment has not been honored.”
Mamabolo further stated: “If NSFAS fails to make payments, we will have no choice but to prevent students from returning to our residences.
“We cannot absorb these costs.”
On Friday, January 24, 2025, the student financing body mentioned that it has been in contact with service providers to address the issue.
“The NSFAS Administrator, Mr. Freeman Nomvalo, has engaged with PSHA leadership to discuss the concerns that have been raised,” the NSFAS noted in a statement.
“The NSFAS Administrator requests that PSHA provide NSFAS with the list of affected APs and students so that the situation can be swiftly resolved.
“This request is extended to all APs with outstanding legitimate claims to also submit their lists to NSFAS for further processing and verification.
“NSFAS would like to remind all APs that payments for student accommodation will only be finalized once valid accommodation claims are received.”
NSFAS stated it will validate the submissions and process payments for legitimate claims that may not have been disbursed through institutions and NSFAS payment service providers.
“In the current academic year, NSFAS is putting measures in place to ensure clarity and certainty regarding claims and disbursements,” the statement continued.
“Consequently, the NSFAS Administrator urges all APs with outstanding claims from 2024 to send their claims to the following dedicated email address NSFASAccomProv@nsfas.org.za for further engagement with NSFAS.”
In the meantime, numerous students have taken to social media to express their concerns.
Student Gift Zulu remarked: “NSFAS has made it routine for us students to feel anxious at this time of year because we always have to wait for their delayed payments.”
“So, every year it’s the same disappointment. Wondering if they will provide the funds or deny us… or cut off support midway through the term.”
Another student, Otlile Mokgautsi, expressed: “It’s incredibly stressful because we need to register now. We have been monitoring our portals.
“NSFAS is unresponsive; it’s doing nothing. Each time the situation remains unchanged. It’s so stressful being a student.”