NSFAS must reveal vetting process for student accommodation online portal and accrediting agents
18 March 2024
The DA calls on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) to reveal how vetting took place for the student accommodation online portal service providers and student accommodation accrediting agents. Recent investigations by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) into tender contracts, revealed irregularities as well as the service providers’ inability to offer these services effectively.
Service providers have to pay up to R200 per bed for accreditation and an additional 5% of rental received to NSFAS for administration fees. The online portal providers and accrediting agents stand to make millions from these contracts.
The OUTA investigative report also revealed that:
Student accommodation online portal providers are also student accommodation accrediting agents and student accommodation providers;