The Dire Situation Unfolding at Cape Peninsula University of Technology

At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), one of South Africa's largest universities of technology with approximately 30,000 students enrolled across its eight faculties, a pressing accommodation crisis has escalated in early 2026. Many students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds reliant on government funding, are staring down the barrel of eviction from private residences due to protracted delays in payments from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). NSFAS, the government entity responsible for providing financial assistance to eligible students at public higher education institutions, covers tuition, accommodation, meals, books, and personal allowances for over 1 million students nationwide.

This crisis is not isolated but symptomatic of broader systemic challenges in South African higher education, where student housing shortages plague institutions. CPUT, located primarily in Cape Town's urban landscape, houses only a fraction of its student body on campus, forcing the majority into private accommodations approved through platforms like Fundi. When NSFAS allowances fail to materialize promptly, landlords—already burdened by unpaid invoices stretching back months—resort to evictions, thrusting students into precarious living situations including temporary university shelters or, in worst cases, the streets.

Understanding NSFAS: How the Scheme Works and Where It Falters

The NSFAS was established in 1991 to democratize access to higher education post-apartheid, targeting students from households earning less than R350,000 annually. For 2026, NSFAS processed nearly 900,000 applications, approving funding for 1.24 million students with a budget exceeding R55 billion—the largest yet. Allowances are disbursed monthly: accommodation capped at around R45,000 per year (varying by institution), plus stipends for food and learning materials. Payments flow first to universities, which then allocate to accredited providers.

Delays arise from multiple friction points. First-year students await final registration verification, while continuing students must maintain academic performance—40% pass rate for newcomers, 60% thereafter—or face defunding under the 'N+1' rule (funding limited to nominal degree duration plus one year). Appeals, requiring proof like medical letters, pile up: over 100,000 in 2026 alone, many lingering in 'submitted' limbo for weeks. Administrative backlogs, verification disputes, and integration gaps exacerbate this, as CPUT operates outside NSFAS's central accommodation portal.

A Timeline of the 2026 CPUT Crisis

The saga began in January 2026 with funding decisions. Private accommodation applications ran from January 16 to February 15 via Fundi. Monthly allowances were slated for February 1, but protests erupted mid-February during the State of the Nation Address (SONA), with CPUT students blocking entrances and marching to Cape Town City Hall. By late February, Minister of Higher Education Buti Manamela pledged 'no student will sleep outside,' arranging temporary measures.

• February 19: CPUT and NSFAS commit to resolutions.
• March 2: NSFAS batches R6.3 billion to institutions.
• March 4: Student Rethabile Roboro publicizes her three-week appeal stall, eviction fears.
• Ongoing: Dozens evicted from sites like SouthPointCPT; CPUT houses 400 temporarily.

This mirrors annual February flare-ups since the 2015 #FeesMustFall protests, with 2025 marred by NSFAS mismanagement leading to board overhauls.

Voices from the Frontline: Student Stories of Desperation

Rethabile Roboro, a CPUT student, captured the anguish: 'Many other students and I are being evicted... facing the reality of sleeping on the streets of Cape Town.' Her appeal, submitted after losing funding, remains unresolved despite compliance with protocols. She decries violations of rights to safety, dignity, and education. Over 30 first-years have resorted to sleeping in kitchens and study rooms, while social media buzzes with #StudentCrisis posts detailing evictions and pleas.

These narratives highlight vulnerability: many hail from rural areas, first-generation scholars navigating urban Cape Town's high rents (R4,000-R6,000/month). Without allowances, basics like food falter, compounding mental health strains amid 45% youth unemployment.

CPUT's Balancing Act: Compassion Amid Constraints

CPUT spokesperson Lauren Kansley explains prioritization: residences favor academically progressing students. They've provided temporary housing, bridged 50% NSFAS allowance shortfalls, and managed Fundi leases. Yet, with limited beds (national shortage ~200,000 vs. 1 million needed), not all can be sheltered. CPUT urges self-arranged housing but empathizes, paying outstanding allowances last week. For details on processes, visit CPUT's NSFAS notices page.

NSFAS Defends Operations, Points Fingers Elsewhere

NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi stresses university responsibility for distribution post-March 2 payments. They dispute some debts, demand verification, and highlight accreditation caps deterring landlords. Amid R17 billion recovery from institutions, NSFAS touts 80% first-year funding success but admits appeals overload. Critics argue for direct provider payments to bypass delays.

Landlords echo strains: unpaid since 2024 in cases, municipal costs mounting. Many shun NSFAS tenants now.Landlords battle financial strain report.

The National Student Housing Shortage: A Systemic Failure

South Africa faces a dire deficit: one bed per 33 students, per government estimates, against ideal 1:10. CPUT exemplifies this, with protests blocking campuses. Broader impacts span Wits, DUT, UWC—delays fueling dropouts (NSFAS students 20% higher risk). Economic ripple: stalled graduates hinder 30% skilled youth target by 2030.

Human and Academic Toll: Beyond Evictions

Evictions trigger cascading effects: disrupted studies, heightened anxiety, nutrition gaps. Vulnerable groups—rural, disabled, first-gen—suffer most, perpetuating inequality. Stats show delayed funding correlates with 15-20% grade drops. Long-term: unfulfilled human capital potential in SA's 32% unemployment economy.

Stakeholder Solutions and Calls for Reform

Short-term: Students track via my.nsfas.org.za, submit appeals with proof, seek uni aid/part-time work. Moratoriums urged. Long-term: Integrate platforms, AI verification, blockchain disbursements, R100bn housing investment (Infra Dept plan). Minister Manamela eyes Ekurhuleni Uni model for expansion.

• Expedite appeals with dedicated teams.
• Direct landlord payments.
• Expand on-campus beds via PPPs.
• Stricter academic support to prevent defunding.

Outlook: Hope Amid Urgency

With NSFAS disbursing steadily and gov commitments, resolution looms. Yet, without structural fixes, cycles persist. Stakeholders unite: DHET, SAUS, unis for agile systems. For students: resilience key; explore scholarships alternatives. CPUT crisis underscores higher ed's pivotal role in equity—action now averts tragedy.

Photo by Clodagh Da Paixao on Unsplash