NSFAS says student accommodation spend to exceed R18bln this year
Universities South Africa CEO Dr Phethiwe Matutu accused NSFAS of failing to live up to its promises
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) predicts that over R18 billion will be spent on student accommodation by year-end, based on their current rates and caps. Over the past three years, NSFAS has seen a R2 billion increase in funding for student accommodation annually. However, the scheme faces concerns regarding its capping system.
Chief Financial Officer Waseem Carrim expresses regret that students bear the burden of the difference between the allowance and actual accommodation costs, as NSFAS cannot dictate rates charged by providers. NSFAS will only pay up to the accommodation allowance it provides. Universities South Africa's CEO, Dr Phethiwe Matutu, criticizes NSFAS for not meeting its promises, stating that students are left to deal with the shortfall, contributing to rising student debt and university sustainability issues.
TVET colleges are also struggling, with a shortage of over 76,000 beds against 10,000 available beds in institution-owned residences. Dr. Matutu calls for a solution-oriented colloquium to improve living conditions for university and TVET students.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
