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NSFAS Urges Landlords to Halt Student Evictions Amid Payment Delays
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is urging landlords across South Africa not to evict students over delayed accommodation payments, reassuring them that funds will be released soon.
In a public appeal, NSFAS asked landlords to exercise patience and restraint, following growing reports of students being pressured to pay out-of-pocket or being unlawfully evicted from their residences.
“We understand the urgency and frustration, but we are processing payments,” said NSFAS spokesperson Ismail Mnisi. “We urge all landlords to wait while final validations are being completed.”
Landlords Pressuring Students as Payment Delays Continue
According to East Coast Radio News, students have been speaking out about being asked to pay upfront fees not covered in their agreements — or worse, being forced to vacate due to NSFAS delays.
The financial pressure has been severe for many students who rely on NSFAS for not only tuition but also their housing and daily living costs.
“It’s heartbreaking,” said a student from Durban University of Technology. “We signed leases with the understanding that NSFAS would pay. Now we’re being treated like we’re in default.”
NSFAS Responds with Payment Assurances
NSFAS says it is finalising accommodation payments and has already closed the final submission window on Wednesday, 9 April 2025.
“The submitted list is still subject to institutional approval to verify student eligibility,” Mnisi explained. “Even students not included in the global list will still have their payments processed based on the registration templates submitted by universities and colleges.”
A Plea for Compassion and Compliance
NSFAS stressed that it is working around the clock to resolve the backlog and wants to protect students from being unfairly penalised for delays outside their control.
The organisation has reminded landlords that students should not be made to pay additional fees that were not agreed upon as part of the NSFAS housing arrangement.
Should Landlords Be Held Accountable?
As the situation unfolds, many South Africans are asking a critical question: Should landlords be held accountable for pressuring or evicting students due to NSFAS delays?
The issue raises concerns about contractual fairness, student rights, and the role of private accommodation providers in the education ecosystem.
What’s Next?
NSFAS says it will continue to communicate transparently with all stakeholders and urges institutions to work closely with students and landlords to avoid unnecessary disruptions.
“Our priority is the well-being of students,” said Mnisi. “We remain committed to delivering on that mandate.”
Have you or someone you know been affected by these delays? Should stricter protections be in place for students during funding issues?
{Source The South African}
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