Johannesburg – The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), and the eThekwini TVET College are investigating reports that students, whose rent was in arrears, were being exploited by landlords.
The Sunday World reported that unscrupulous landlords were demanding sex from students whose rent was outstanding.
In a statement on Monday, (17 February 2025), NSFAS strongly condemned the exploitation of vulnerable students and any acts of gender-based violence against students.
NSFAS said in collaboration with the DHET and the eThekwini TVET College they “will immediately launch an investigation into the reported incidents”.
Furthermore, NSFAS said it will assist violated students to file charges against perpetrators.
“Should the investigations on the allegations against the landlords prove to be veracious, NSFAS will take decisive action, which may include blacklisting and terminating the services of the implicated landlords, to ensure student safety,” the statement said.
Regarding the issue of outstanding payments, on the 31st January 2025, NSFAS said it released a circular to all public institutions on measures to ensure that NSFAS-funded students are registered.
“In respect of students affected by the Close – Out project, where outstanding fees are payable by NSFAS, students should be allowed re-enrolment and details of the affected students are to be shared with the NSFAS Servicing teams deployed to all public universities and colleges,” said the statement.
“In respect of the NSFAS Loan Scheme, NSFAS has already distributed the names of qualifying applicants with respective institutions.”
While institutions were finalising the submission of the required documentation for the NSFAS Loan Scheme, they were advised to afford “this cohort of students” to register, and secure accommodation, within reasonable timelines aligned to the institution’s 2025 academic calendar.
“In respect of the 2024 outstanding allocations for NSFAS-funded students, NSFAS has requested institutions to allow registration and graduation for affected students,” the statement said.
“NSFAS undertakes to settle outstanding tuition and related fees.
“NSFAS beneficiaries are not expected to pay any registration fee in all public Post School Education and Training institutions.”
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