NSFAS Action
By Mpho Moloi
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has strongly condemned reports of landlords demanding sexual favours from students in exchange for accommodation, calling on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to take immediate action.
The shocking revelations, which surfaced in recent media reports, have sparked nationwide outrage, raising serious concerns about the safety and dignity of students relying on NSFAS-funded accommodation.
“The exploitation of vulnerable students by landlords is deplorable and deeply worrying. I welcome the strong statement by NSFAS condemning these actions and the decisive steps to investigate, blacklist, and terminate the services of any implicated landlords,” Manamela said.NSFAS to Investigate and Blacklist Exploitative Landlords
NSFAS has committed to investigating all reports of student exploitation by landlords, with immediate consequences for those found guilty. This includes:
• Blacklisting implicated landlords
• Terminating rental agreements linked to exploitative practices
• Implementing stronger oversight measures in student accommodation
Manamela has emphasised that greater accountability and monitoring are required, stating that NSFAS, accommodation provider associations, and higher education institutions must work together to create a safe, dignified, and abuse-free environment for students.
He urged affected students to report any instances of exploitation to their institutions, NSFAS, and law enforcement agencies immediately.
“We will not tolerate anyone who preys on students,” he declared.Progress on 2025 Student Registration and Financial Aid
Despite the disturbing reports of landlord abuse, Manamela acknowledged that the 2025 student registration process has been largely smooth, with only minor glitches being addressed.
NSFAS Measures to Support Students
To ensure that financially disadvantaged students can register and secure accommodation, NSFAS has implemented the following measures:
✅ No upfront registration fees for NSFAS-funded students at public universities and TVET colleges
✅ NSFAS close-out project students (awaiting outstanding fees from previous years) must be allowed to re-enrol, with institutions required to submit their details to NSFAS
✅ NSFAS Loan Scheme applicants who qualify should be allowed to register and secure accommodation, even if documentation is still being finalised
✅ Students with outstanding 2024 allocations must be permitted to register and graduate, as NSFAS has committed to settling these fees
“We acknowledge concerns over funding delays and are actively working with NSFAS and institutions to resolve these issues as quickly as possible,” Manamela reassured students.Monitoring the 2025 Academic Year: Deputy Minister to Visit Institutions
To ensure that student concerns regarding accommodation, registration, and financial aid are addressed, Deputy Minister Manamela will embark on a nationwide visit to higher learning institutions over the next two weeks.
Provinces on the Monitoring Schedule:
📍 Limpopo
📍 North West
📍 Northern Cape
📍 Gauteng
“These visits will give us an opportunity to engage directly with students, institutional leadership, and NSFAS officials to ensure that registration, accommodation, and financial aid issues are properly addressed,” Manamela stated.Students Urged to Report Unsafe and Exploitative Accommodation
Manamela has urged students experiencing unsafe conditions or exploitation in NSFAS-funded accommodation to report incidents immediately to:
📞 NSFAS Helpline: 0800 067 327
📩 Email: info@nsfas.org.za
Additionally, students should:
✔ Report unsafe accommodation to their institution’s student affairs office
✔ Seek assistance from NSFAS servicing teams deployed at universities and TVET colleges
✔ Engage with Student Representative Councils (SRCs) for support
✔ Use institutional counselling services and wellness programs for mental health support
“Our students should never have to endure exploitation, abuse, or barriers to their education. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for all,” Manamela affirmed.
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