Update Video

GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - Students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) George Campus have contacted George Herald with ongoing complaints about a shortage in accommodation that forces some to sleep outside. 

In other cases, up to 10 students sleep in some of the residences' rooms.

A video of a residence on campus shows that the taps are dry.

According to one of the students, who wants to remain anonymous, the main problem is NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) bursaries that have not been paid out yet. 

NSFAS has also rejected some students' applications.

NMU management in a statement on Friday 24 February said additional accommodation has been arranged in hotels. In response to students' demands that all outstanding amounts owed to landlords be paid, the student housing department engaged with the affected landlords. 

It reached an agreement with the landlords to the effect that students be accepted by these off-campus establishments.

Extra accommodation has also been sourced, including 60 beds at a hotel in Oudtshoorn, 27 at a hotel in Mossel Bay and 11 in Palgrave Street, George.

George Herald is waiting for feedback from the university regarding when this accommodation can be occupied and what transport students will use from these towns. It is also uncertain if the hotel accommodation is a temporary or permanent measure.

In response to the newspaper's queries, NMU communications manager Milisa Piko said the university would be issuing a statement later today.

NSFAS is not responding to George Herald's queries regarding non-payment of bursaries.

VIDEO: Supplied

In a media statement issued on 23 February, NSFAS said it spends R18b on student accommodation each year.

"The entity has changed its policy to ensure that the money is well spent and that new accommodation is built which should ultimately be owned by universities and TVET colleges. As of last year, accommodation at university residences ranged from R28 000 to R90 000 a year. Private accommodation providers charge up to R90 000 a year. This is clearly unsustainable," the statement reads.

NSFAS said it has introduced a R45 000 cap to manage the increasing costs for student accommodation. It is "mulling over" reporting student accommodation providers to the Competition Commission for possible collusion and price gouging.

"Currently there is a challenge of private and institution accommodation above the cap of R45 000. NSFAS is working with the affected institutions and is fast-tracking the accreditation in the affected areas."