NSAFS consulting communities, private sector to create improved accommodation framework - Manamela

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is currently consulting communities and the private sector to create an improved accommodation framework.

This is set to determine whether accommodation funds disbursed by NSFAS go to students or to their respective facilities.

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela outlined the effort during a briefing in Pretoria on Monday, focusing on the state of readiness for the 2026 academic year.

In August, NSFAS assured it would conclude the accommodation framework by October 2025. 

Earlier, the Private Student Housing Association rejected the scheme’s current policy, which pays funds directly to students, complaining that they can’t be trusted to use the funds accordingly.

Manamela said the scheme would settle on a framework to ensure that students were not homeless.  

"Too many learners still live in unsafe and undignified conditions. We are working with institutions but also with communities and the private sector to accelerate accredited accommodation."

He added that this seeks to resolve delays in funding disbursements and the issue of unpaid landlords.

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