On 12 September 2025, Sol Plaatje University students engaged in protest action because of dissatisfaction with NSFAS over payments concerning NSFAS-accredited residences. These protests followed a meeting between NSFAS, accommodation providers and students on the 11th of September 2025. At this meeting, students were incorrectly informed by NSFAS that Sol Plaatje University did not provide student registration information to NSFAS in a timely manner, and this was why payments were withheld.
Sol Plaatje University categorically and unequivocally reject this assertion. The University has evidence of the timely submission of registration data and further engagements with NSFAS to address all student concerns. The fact of the matter is that NSFAS prematurely closed the student portal and has yet to open it again for additions, updates and corrections. This is the real reason why accommodation providers are not being paid. The SABC interviewed accommodation providers who claimed SPU withheld TVET student data. We must make it absolutely clear that Sol Plaatje University has no administrative jurisdiction over TVET students, and therefore no responsibility or authority to communicate such data to NSFAS. These claims are completely baseless and irresponsible.
The University’s management team has been in persistent communication with the NSFAS executive in an attempt to further assist them with resolving outstanding issues that prevent them from paying students and accommodation providers alike. Sol Plaatje University will continue to act transparently and in the best interests of its students, and we remain committed to finding solutions through proper and respectful engagement.
Released by the Management Commitee.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Ms Mosima Mehlape
Manager: Communications & Marketing
Office of the Vice-Chancellor
Telephone: 053-491-0485
Mobile: 083 433 7445
Email: mosima.mehlape@spu.ac.za
