More than 60 students from the Western TVET College (WestCol) campuses in Krugersdorp Central and Krugersdorp West are set to be moved into new accredited housing following their displacement during the July recess. The students were denied access to their residences due to an ongoing payment dispute between the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and a private accommodation provider, which reportedly involves unpaid rent dating back to the start of the 2026 academic year.
Official Intervention In Housing Dispute
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim conducted an oversight visit to the WestCol Krugersdorp West campus on 29 July 2026 to assess the situation. The Department of Higher Education and Training subsequently took steps to ensure the affected individuals were provided with alternative living arrangements.
The department said the Deputy Minister’s office contacted the college after receiving the reports and arranged temporary accommodation for about 62 affected students.
Authorities confirmed that the displaced students are expected to be fully placed in new NSFAS-accredited accommodation by the end of the week ending 7 August 2026. This move comes after students previously raised formal complaints regarding poor living conditions, citing unreliable transport, as well as intermittent water and electricity supplies at their previous residence.
Broader Challenges In Student Housing
This incident reflects a systemic challenge across South Africa, where shortages of student beds and administrative delays often lead to disputes between NSFAS and private landlords. These disagreements frequently result in the displacement of students, which can cause significant disruptions to their academic progress and overall wellbeing.
The department is expected to monitor the transition of the affected students to ensure they are settled into the new facilities by the established deadline. Further updates regarding the resolution of the outstanding payment dispute with the previous service provider are anticipated following internal departmental reviews.