MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There are 171 accredited accommodation spaces in Mossel Bay for students of the South Cape TVET College Mossel Bay Campus, when there should ideally be 2 300 spaces.
This is according to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which responded to questions sent by the Mossel Bay Advertiser, following a student protest outside the Mossel Bay campus on 19 March regarding the decrease in accommodation funding.
About 50 students had gathered outside the campus on 19 March to protest against accommodation funding from NSFAS decreasing from R42 640 per annum to R25 000 per annum.
The college had told the Advertiser it had received a circular from NSFAS via email on 7 March that stated: “NSFAS does not regulate the unaccredited space, because ethically, we should not be allowing students to reside in ‘unaccredited’ properties.
"By ‘unaccredited’, this refers to properties that are not accredited by both NSFAS or institutions. These properties will only be utilised when there are no bed spaces in institutional or NSFAS-accredited providers in that area.
"The cap for unaccredited properties is R25 000 annually.”
More accredited accommodation needed
NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi responded this week to questions sent by the Advertiser regarding accredited accommodation spaces in Mossel Bay, sating that there are currently 171 accredited spaces; however, of those spaces, only 80 student applications have been received.
"Ideally, there should be about 2 300 accredited accommodation spaces to meet the needs of all students attending the South Cape TVET College in Mossel Bay. This projection is based on enrolment numbers and the demand for housing," said Mnisi.
He said the limited availability of accredited accommodation is due to a variety of reasons, including property owners’ compliance with NSFAS accreditation standards, the financial viability of making necessary improvements, and insufficient awareness among landlords about the accreditation process.
"NSFAS is actively addressing this gap and encouraging more property owners to seek accreditation," he said.
Concerns
He said there are several concerns regarding students living in unaccredited accommodation, including:
• Safety and security: unaccredited properties may not meet safety standards, putting students at risk.
• Quality of living conditions: these properties may lack basic amenities and may not provide a conducive environment for studying.
• Legal and compliance issues: students residing in unaccredited properties might face challenges in terms of lease agreements and eviction processes, as well as complications regarding NSFAS funding.
• Accountability: NSFAS cannot ensure the proper use of funds without oversight of the accommodation provided.
Mnisi said the accommodation allowance is typically paid directly to the accredited landlords.
"This arrangement helps ensure housing costs are covered and provides landlords with the necessary assurance of payment for the accommodation provided to NSFAS-funded students," he said.
Arrests
Ten students were arrested on charges of public violence on the evening of 19 March.
They appeared in the Mossel Bay Magistrate's Court the following day and were then released on bail on condition they are not involved in any public violence or any criminal activities until the matter is finalised in court.
The case was postponed to 8 May for further investigation.
Previous articles:
- Students picket at college campus in Mossel Bay
- 10 South Cape College students in court after protest action
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