Students March to Parliament Over NSFAS Funding Model, Over 300 Evicted from Residence

• University students are seeking Parliament's intervention regarding issues with the new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding model
• Many students were evicted due to non-payment, with over 300 Cape Peninsula University of Technology students affected
• The students are demanding the removal of the accommodation funding cap and the resolution of funding model problems

CAPE TOWN - University students from various institutions have approached Parliament to help them with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding issues.

Students marched down to the Parliament on Wednesday, 16 August, after many were evicted from private residences for lack of payment.

New NSFAS funding model leaves students frustrated

The funding scheme recently changed its funding model and now pays students directly instead of through their institutions of higher learning. NSFAS has also changed the accommodation allowance and capped it at R45 000 yearly.

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According to EWN, students want the accommodation cap removed and the funding model issues resolved. They also want the defunding of some students reviewed.

eNCA reports that students are required to have 60 credits to qualify for accommodation and travel allowances.

Over 300 students evicted over NSFAS funding issues

Over 300 Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) students were evicted from their private res accommodation after the landlord claimed there was non-payment.

The company said that it was experiencing issues with NSFAS. CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley explained that the landlord was not entitled to the R45 000 per student because his property is not accredited and only qualifies for R41 200.

"The Golden Buffalo residence and the others owned by this specific landlord are unaccredited. As a result of that, each student is capped at an amount of R41 200 in this case. However, the landlord is insistent that he would want to be paid R45 000, which is the amount that is paid for an accredited residence," said Kansley.

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The chairperson of the Parliament Committee for higher education is expected to respond to the students on Thursday.

Student builds mansion with NSFAS money

Briefly News previously reported that a woman renovated her mother's humble home into a modern house. The lady said her NSFAS allowance covered the building costs and Mzansi people found that hard to believe.

The proud young lady posted a montage of the renovated home, and the video gathered over 800 000 views on TikTok.

People said the amount of money NSFAS gives to students is not enough to build a big house like hers. Some encouraged the young lady to be truthful and not mislead the masses.

Source: Briefly News