Deputy Minister Buti Manamela confirms NSFAS efforts to clear outstanding student accommodation debt and calls for fairness from private providers.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is working to settle outstanding student accommodation debt to ensure a smooth start to the 2025 academic year.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, announced this during his visit to Wits University in Johannesburg, where he assessed the institution’s readiness for the new academic year.
Clearing Debt for Private Accommodation Providers
Manamela assured students that NSFAS is committed to resolving outstanding payments to private accommodation providers. He emphasized that no student should be disadvantaged due to delayed NSFAS payments.
“I had a long meeting with senior NSFAS members. Some commitments include mopping up the debt owed to private accommodation providers so that we start on a clean slate,” said Manamela.
He further called on private accommodation providers to liaise directly with NSFAS rather than penalizing students affected by payment delays.
Wits University Extends Registration Deadline
Following discussions between Wits University management and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the institution has extended its registration deadline until Tuesday. This extension aims to accommodate students with outstanding fees.
Shirona Patel, Wits spokesperson, confirmed that undergraduate students with debt under R150,000 could still register if they receive support from the Hardship Fund and the SRC’s Legacy Fund.
- The Hardship Fund has R28 million allocated to assist students with registration and emergency accommodation.
- The SRC fund, which raised R11 million last year, is matched by the university through additional donor support.
“We also fundraised an extra R11 million with the SRC to accommodate all these students who will now be allowed to register,” Patel explained.
Other Institutions Working on Accommodation Solutions
Wits is not the only university addressing student accommodation challenges. Institutions like the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have also confirmed efforts to ensure students are properly housed for the academic year.
With NSFAS committed to settling outstanding debts and universities providing additional support, students facing financial difficulties can expect a more stable and accessible education environment in 2025.
Also read: Rejected by NSFAS? Here’s How to Reapply for NSFAS and Secure Your Student Funding
