NSFAS pledges to pay student accommodation providers by 4 April! The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has committed to making outstanding student accommodation payments by 4 April 2025 following reports that students were facing threats of eviction due to delayed payments.
Many students across South Africa have been living in uncertainty, fearing that they could be removed from their residences because of non-payment by NSFAS. Accommodation providers have expressed frustration over the issue, with some threatening legal action against NSFAS for outstanding debts.
Verification Delays and Ghost Students Identified
NSFAS explained that the delays in payment were caused by a verification process required before funds could be released. The scheme stated that it had identified “ghost students”—individuals who were neither funded by NSFAS nor enrolled in any public institution or college but were fraudulently listed to receive financial assistance.
NSFAS pledges to pay student accommodation
The discovery of ghost students has prompted NSFAS to take stricter measures to ensure that only legitimate students benefit from the funds. The organization has also vowed to investigate non-compliant accommodation providers who attempted to unlawfully benefit from the scheme.
NSFAS Responds to Eviction Threats
Many students have expressed fear and distress after receiving warnings from their landlords regarding possible evictions due to unpaid rent. Some students have reported being locked out of their rooms, while others have been forced to negotiate temporary arrangements with landlords.
NSFAS spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, assured students and landlords that the payments would be made as scheduled.
“At this point, NSFAS is adhering to the payment date of April 4th, 2025. However, we are continuously assessing our internal processes and the situation surrounding the payments. Should it become possible to expedite this payment date, we will promptly communicate any changes with all stakeholders, including accommodation providers and students.”
Mnisi emphasized that NSFAS understands the urgency of the situation and is working towards resolving all legitimate claims as soon as possible.
Call for Landlords to Be Patient
NSFAS has also appealed to landlords to exercise patience while the organization works through its verification and payment processes.
“We, therefore, appeal to landlords with outstanding payments not to evict students because NSFAS is committed to resolving all legitimate claims. It is essential to consider the impact of evictions on both students and landlords, particularly during these challenging times.”
The organization acknowledged that both students and accommodation providers are affected by the delay, but emphasized that proper verification is necessary to prevent fraud and mismanagement of funds.
Wider Impact of Delayed Payments
The delayed payments have raised concerns among student unions, institutions, and higher education stakeholders. Many have criticized NSFAS, arguing that these delays have caused unnecessary stress and instability for students who rely on state-funded accommodation support.
For students, the threat of eviction has affected their academic performance and mental well-being. Some have been forced to borrow money or seek alternative arrangements to avoid being displaced.
At the same time, landlords and private accommodation providers have voiced frustration, as many rely on NSFAS payments to cover operational costs such as rent, maintenance, and utilities.
NSFAS Promises to Improve Payment Systems
Following criticism, NSFAS has assured students, universities, and landlords that it is working on improving its internal processes to prevent future delays and inefficiencies. The organization has committed to:
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Enhancing its verification process to prevent fraudulent claims.
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Implementing a more efficient payment system to ensure timely disbursement of funds.
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Increasing transparency and communication with students and accommodation providers.
Despite the challenges, NSFAS insists that it remains dedicated to supporting financially needy students by covering both their tuition and accommodation expenses.
With the April 4 payment deadline approaching, students and landlords alike are hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis.