The Ignition of Protests at the University of Pretoria

On March 9, 2026, a group of determined students from the University of Pretoria (UP), spearheaded by the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC), gathered for a peaceful picket outside the Hatfield Campus. Their grievances centered on private student accommodations in the surrounding areas, particularly in Hatfield and Riviera, demanding an end to the R1,500 monthly top-up fees charged on top of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowances. These demonstrations highlighted a simmering frustration among NSFAS-funded students, who argue that the scheme's accommodation caps no longer align with escalating rental costs in Pretoria, forcing them to dip into meal allowances just to secure housing.

The EFFYC UP chairman, Nxongotelo Mgabini, voiced the crowd's outrage, declaring that "UP students don't have human dignity" due to overcharging by landlords despite NSFAS guidelines. Students chanted for intervention from both NSFAS and UP administration, refusing to accept what they see as exploitative practices in NSFAS-accredited private residences. This event was not isolated but part of a wave of unrest reflecting the broader NSFAS accommodation crisis gripping South African universities in 2026.

Previous shutdowns by EFFYC at places like Riviera Students Accommodation underscored demands for fair lease contracts and full compliance with NSFAS rates, signaling organized resistance against what protesters call a systemic failure to protect vulnerable students.

What is NSFAS and Its Role in South African Higher Education?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), established in 1991 initially as the Tertiary Education Fund of South Africa (TEFSA), serves as a government-funded program providing financial assistance to eligible low-income students pursuing higher education at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across South Africa. Over the years, NSFAS has evolved significantly, particularly following the #FeesMustFall protests between 2015 and 2017, which pressured the government to convert loans into full bursaries for students from households earning less than R350,000 annually.

Today, NSFAS covers tuition fees, registration costs, accommodation (for off-campus students), meals, learning materials, and personal care allowances. For the 2026 academic year, NSFAS approved funding for 1.24 million students—692,704 first-time entrants and 550,959 continuing students—disbursing over R63 billion in total allowances so far, including R3.56 billion to universities on February 2 and R2.82 billion on March 2. This makes NSFAS a critical pillar supporting access to higher education for disadvantaged youth, with the scheme directly paying accredited private accommodation providers to streamline processes and reduce fraud.

However, the system's direct payment model, introduced in recent years, has introduced complexities, especially around accommodation verification and timely disbursements.

Breaking Down NSFAS Accommodation Allowances for 2026

NSFAS accommodation allowances vary by location to reflect cost-of-living differences. In 2026, the caps are set as follows:

Students must apply through the NSFAS portal, select accredited providers, and submit signed lease agreements for approval. Once verified, payments go directly to landlords. Upfront payments on February 1 covered one month's accommodation alongside full book allowances. Despite this, only 148,825 of 224,983 accommodation applications had complete leases by early March, delaying releases until March 13.

Meal allowances stand at around R1,700 monthly, which many UP students report diverting to cover rental shortfalls, exacerbating food insecurity.Learn more on NSFAS allowances

Roots of the R1,500 Top-Up Fee Controversy

The top-up fees arise from a mismatch between NSFAS caps and market rents. In Pretoria's Hatfield, student-dense areas see private rooms priced at R5,400 or more monthly, exceeding the R5,200 cap. Landlords argue rising operational costs—inflation, utilities, maintenance—necessitate extras, but NSFAS policy prohibits deposits or top-ups from students at accredited sites.

Accreditation requires providers to adhere to caps, but enforcement gaps persist. Students face blacklisting or eviction threats for non-payment, prompting protests. This echoes past issues; in 2023, NSFAS reduced contributions from R60,000 to R45,000 annually, sparking unrest. OUTA's probe revealed governance lapses, including unpaid R44 million to landlords from 2024, further straining relations.

At UP, private accommodations must follow university accreditation guidelines, including customer information forms and fees, yet discrepancies remain.Aspiring educators can explore career paths amid these challenges.

Photo by Maik Astheimer on Unsplash

The National NSFAS Accommodation Crisis in 2026

UP's actions mirror nationwide woes. Protests erupted at Wits, Sol Plaatje University, University of Fort Hare (UFH), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Durban University of Technology (DUT), and Nelson Mandela University (NMU). At UFH, students boycotted classes over substandard housing; CPUT saw eviction threats from payment delays.

• UJ: 99,472 applications for 7,015 on-campus beds.
• Wits and UJ students sheltering in libraries.
• National shortage: Up to 500,000 beds needed; current ratio 1 bed per 33 students.

Over 101,201 appeals (22,654 approved) clog the system, with deadlines extended to March 31. NSFAS's accommodation portal glitches compound verification delays.

Devastating Impacts on Students and Education

Financial strain leads to hunger, mental health issues, and dropouts. UP students report starving to pay rent, impairing concentration and GPAs. Broader effects include registration blocks from historical debts, academic disruptions from boycotts, and evictions leaving students homeless.

Stats SA notes higher education funding slowdown after five-year rises, worsening access. Vulnerable black students bear the brunt, perpetuating inequality.Share experiences with professors amid campus unrest

Landlords' Side: A Delicate Balance

Private providers face NSFAS payment delays (e.g., historical R44m owed), 5% deductions, and forced portal use, squeezing margins. Many threaten closures, reducing supply. Yet, some overcharge, prompting de-accreditation calls. Balanced dialogue is key.

Stakeholder Responses and Interventions

UP's Rikus Delport confirmed engagement with SRC on allowance-rent gaps. NSFAS's Ishmael Mnisi urged reporting via university financial aid, noting independent management at UP. Minister Manamela's department resolved some via helpdesks (55,000 queries). OUTA recommends reverting accommodation to universities.

NSFAS plans Competition Commission referral for high costs and welcomes its March 10 strategy post-OUTA report.Explore higher ed jobs supporting student services

Photo by Annie Xia on Unsplash

Pathways to Resolution: Proposed Solutions

• Increase NSFAS caps by 5%+ for inflation.
• Enhance accreditation enforcement and portal fixes.
• University-managed housing expansion.
• Public-private partnerships for 500,000 new beds.
• Debt relief and faster appeals.

Parliamentary oversight on foreign academics and SETA reforms indirectly aid capacity.

Future Outlook for NSFAS and Student Housing

With 2026 funding at R54.3bn amid viability debates, reforms are urgent. Successful disbursements post-March 13 could calm tensions, but structural shortages demand investment. Positive notes: Record UJ applications (450k) show demand; initiatives like INSETA grants boost TVET.

For students, proactive applications via NSFAS portal and university aid are vital. Aspiring academics can contribute via roles in student support—check university jobs and career advice.

In conclusion, the NSFAS accommodation crisis underscores the need for collaborative, innovative solutions to ensure no student is left behind in South Africa's pursuit of equitable higher education.