‘Too low and too slow’: Manamela admits NSFAS missing-middle loan delays as applications hit 53,500

Buti Manamela, Minister of Higher Education and Training, has revealed significant issues with the management and accreditation of accommodation for students funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). During a recent appearance in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Manamela addressed questions regarding the condition of Nsfas-funded student accommodation.

This discussion comes as there have been concerns about whether the properties where students reside meet the necessary safety and accreditation standards.

Minister Manamela informed the committee that the Department had been alerted to "serious weaknesses" in the management and accreditation of Nsfas-funded accommodation. He emphasized that the department does not view the accreditation of unsafe or uninhabitable accommodation as a minor administrative error. According to Manamela, such issues place students at risk and damage confidence in the student funding system.

The Department is currently conducting an accommodation audit to ensure that all properties meet the Minimum Norms and Standards and Nsfas accreditation requirements. This audit includes physical inspections, grading, verification of approved bed capacity, and checks on health, safety, and municipal compliance documents. Any complaints from students or institutions will lead to further re-inspections. Furthermore, if providers fail to meet the required standards, their accreditation may be suspended or withdrawn.

Manamela also revealed that the Department has initiated a national audit of previously accredited accommodation. This audit, supported by institutions and student representatives, aims to establish a single, verified property register that includes ownership details, capacity, grade, inspector information, accreditation date and validity, complaints, remedial actions, and payment status.

Despite the ongoing audit, Nsfas has not yet provided an accurate count of non-compliant properties that were accredited since 2023. However, Nsfas has reported through institutional registration data that 62,958 students are currently funded for accommodation recorded as non-accredited. This figure comprises 20,613 students at 10 universities and 42,345 students at 34 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.

While Manamela acknowledged that the current records do not specify a completed disciplinary finding against an individual official for approving non-compliant buildings since 2023, he emphasized the importance of accountability. The audit must identify the individuals responsible for inspecting, recommending, and approving each property.

In cases of negligence, misrepresentation, fraud, or conflicts of interest, consequences could include disciplinary action against employees. Such actions may also involve termination or sanctions against accreditation agents and providers, recovery of losses, and referral to the Special Investigating Unit or law enforcement agencies when warranted.

Manamela stressed that the immediate priority is to safeguard students by removing unsafe properties from the funded network and relocating them to suitable accommodation without disrupting their studies. He also highlighted that an audit alone is not sufficient; accountability must be ensured.