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The DA has written to the Minister of Higher Education, Dr Blade Nzimande, demanding that he actions swift accreditation of student accommodation across all institutions of higher learning.  

This following the DA’s hybrid oversight to informal settlements (shacks) regarded as “student accommodation” in Madalabara, Limpopo where students studying at the Letaba TVET College reside.  

This oversight revealed that included in the list of students who reside there are National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funded students. At first, Minister Nzimande denied this to be true before the portfolio committee on higher education, citing that there is no NSFAS and accommodation crisis. However, NSFAS subsequently told the committee that 65.64% of student accommodation that its beneficiaries reside in is unaccredited. Meaning, only 26 530 out 77 209 of NSFAS funded student accommodations are verified for safe and decent dwelling by students.  

This then begs the question? How many more Madalabaras do we have across off campus residences in the entire country and why is NSFAS paying for students to live in shacks? 

Not only is this against the prescripts of the student accommodation policy but is also in contravention of NSFAS’ own funding and accreditation policy. Moreover, it is a cruel spit in the faces of helpless and poor students who depend on the State to fund safe and decent shelter for them while they fight towards acquiring education that is meant to land them a job and ultimately rescue them and their families from poverty. 

The DA remains committed to fighting for the safety and dignity of all students. We will continue to fight to ensure that there is no student left behind by holding Minister Nzimande and the Department of Higher Education accountable for these horrendous acts of cruelty.  

Issued by Karabo Khakhau MP - DA Shadow Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation