NSFAS to have new student accommodation framework to assist with issues it faces by Nov

JOHANNESBURG - The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) said that by the end of October, it would have a new student accommodation framework to assist with the current challenges it faces.

The financial aid scheme has battled for years with delays in funding disbursements, unpaid landlords, and even left some funded students without accommodation.

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On Wednesday, they held a media briefing in Pretoria to address these and other administrative issues.

The Private Student Housing Association in August spoke out about NSFAS paying rent money into the accounts of students, a mistake the scheme had made.

The association said that while many students were responsible and would use the money for accommodation, others who had more pressing issues might redirect those fundsand risk eviction.

On Wednesday, the new NSFAS board members assured the public that it would have its house in order, with projects approved to make the necessary changes.

Acting NSFAS CEO Wasseem Carrim said they were reviewing a new accommodation system.

"NSFAS does not want to pass the student accommodation function around like a football and we want to ensure that we build the correct guidance framework, policy environment, internal controls, skills and capacity, as well as business processes."

The scheme has urged landlords to follow payment guidelines to avoid eviction of its tenants.