The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has recorded a total of 88 705 beds that have been registered on the scheme portal and accredited for both Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges and universities.
Briefing media on the student accommodation pilot project in Pretoria on Monday, NSFAS Acting Chairperson, Professor Lourens van Staden, said the Student Accommodation Unit has to date received lists from 28 out of 40 institutions, which were subjected to verification processes, in terms of funding status.
Van Staden said 10 institutions submitted their lists in batches, while others requested assistance from NSFAS in order for them to submit their lists, with some still engaging NSFAS owing to their contractual obligation.
“To date, out of 40 institutions in the pilot, 30 have placed students in accredited properties. Out of 10 institutions, five supported by the NSFAS team will continue with placements, while three are still in discussion with NSFAS. Two will submit once placements have happened,” van Staden said.
He said the Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) and University of Mpumalanga will submit their lists when students are placed in accommodation.
Van Staden also reported that NSFAS, in collaboration with institutions, portal providers, and accommodation providers, is onboarding students onto the portal system to ensure that NSFAS-funded students are residing in accredited accommodation.
To date, he said, 18 institutions have onboarded students onto the portal, while the rest are yet to do so or are still onboarding.
“The NSFAS Board wishes to encourage all institutions that have not been onboarded to do so urgently, as this might impact the on-time rental payments. Equally, landlords are requested to ensure that leases that are generated through the portal are signed by all students in their residences,’ van Staden said.
No arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers
Van Staden also put it on record that the scheme does not have any arrangements with unaccredited accommodation providers.
“Institutions apply different approaches to manage unaccredited accommodation, and it is in the resolve of NSFAS that in the near future, no NSFAS-funded student will be residing in unaccredited accommodation.
“Where accommodation providers have applied to NSFAS for accreditation, they are encouraged to consult the portal to check their statuses. Students who have been provided with accredited accommodation and are unwilling to utilise those, NSFAS and the institution will allocate transport allowance to those students,” van Staden said.
Warning against corruption and bribery
Meanwhile, van Staden has warned that NSFAS will not tolerate corruption and bribery, and anyone found in the wrong will be reported to the law enforcement agencies.
This follows a report received by NSFAS on the alleged corruption and bribery between accrediting agents and landlords.
“If this is indeed true, we wish to reiterate that this will not be tolerated by the scheme and that should anyone be found in the wrong, NSFAS will report them to law enforcement agencies. Any suspected fraud should be raised through our whistleblowing hotline, Vuvuzela, toll-free number 0860 247 653. SMS 'call back' to 30916. Fax: 086 726 1681,” van Staden said. – SAnews.gov.za
