NSFAS Condemns Exploitation of Vulnarable Students by Landlords. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has issued a strong public statement following a report published by Sunday World on 16 February 2025, titled “Unscrupulous landlords demand sex from students”.
The report highlights the shocking abuse and exploitation of vulnerable female students by certain landlords sparking national outrage.
NSFAS, alongside the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the eThekwini TVET College, has confirmed that it will immediately launch an investigation into the reported allegations.
These allegations are serious and point towards gender-based violence (GBV) and abuse of power by individuals trusted to provide housing for students.
Immediate Action Required by NSFAS and Government Institutions
In response to the disturbing claims, NSFAS announced that it will:
- Collaborate with DHET and eThekwini TVET College to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
- Provide legal assistance to affected students in laying criminal charges against the alleged perpetrators.
- Take decisive action against landlords found guilty, including:
- Blacklisting
- Terminating lease agreements
- Removing them from NSFAS-approved accommodation lists
NSFAS reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards student exploitation or gender-based violence, vowing to ensure the safety and dignity of all students benefiting from government funding.
NSFAS Questions Media Integrity: Sunday World Response
The financial aid body also expressed concern over what it described as biased reporting by Sunday World. NSFAS claims that, despite providing a detailed response to the newspaper’s inquiries, the publication deliberately ignored the provided information, contributing to a misleading narrative that undermines the organization’s efforts.
NSFAS emphasized that transparency and accountability are central to its mission, and accused the publication of selective reporting that undermines student trust.
Measures on Outstanding Student Payments and Registrations
NSFAS also took the opportunity to clarify several financial and operational matters affecting students in 2025:
NSFAS Circular on Student Registration – Dated 31 January 2025
NSFAS confirmed it issued a circular to all public institutions directing them to:
- Allow all NSFAS-funded students to register for the 2025 academic year without requiring upfront payments.
- Coordinate with NSFAS servicing teams, deployed at institutions, to manage and resolve any registration issues.
Close-Out Project: Students with Outstanding 2024 Fees
For students affected by the Close-Out project, where NSFAS still owes fees from 2024, institutions are instructed to:
- Permit re-enrolment
- Submit lists of affected students to NSFAS for payment follow-up
NSFAS Loan Scheme: 2025 Guidelines
NSFAS has already provided institutions with the list of qualifying students under the new NSFAS Loan Scheme. While documentation is being finalized:
- Institutions are requested to allow registration for qualifying students.
- Accommodation must be secured within reasonable timeframes aligned with academic calendars.
NSFAS Urges Institutions to Support Students with Pending Allocations
On the issue of outstanding 2024 payments, NSFAS has taken a proactive approach:
- Institutions are asked to allow registration and graduation for affected students.
- NSFAS commits to settling all tuition and related fee balances without placing any financial burden on students.
It is reaffirmed that no NSFAS beneficiary should pay a registration fee at any public university, college, or TVET institution in South Africa.
Conclusion
The recent allegations have shaken the student community, revealing the vulnerabilities faced by young women in pursuit of higher education. NSFAS has demonstrated a strong commitment to taking swift and decisive action not only to investigate these claims but also to protect student rights and dignity.
