“VUT’s SRC strengthened student advocacy following a strategic visit to Cape Town, securing key NSFAS commitments on funding, accommodation, and registration improvements.”
09 December 2025 | Story by: Sadiki Siphiwe | Picture by: Supplied
5 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) Student Representative Council (SRC) undertook a strategic working visit to Cape Town from 1 to 5 December 2025. The programme included benchmarking sessions at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Stellenbosch University, a formal engagement at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) headquarters, and a series of governance strengthening activities. The visit aimed to enhance the SRC’s advocacy capacity, deepen their understanding of national funding systems, and broaden their exposure to institutional best practice.
The NSFAS engagement session was chaired by Dr Gugulethu Xaba, VUT Executive Director for Student Support Services, ensuring a structured and solution-oriented discussion aligned with institutional priorities. The agenda, presented by Deputy President Mr Kholofelo Ndaba and SRC President Nkosinathi Nkosi, tabled key matters affecting VUT students. These included TVET related concerns, challenges in the registration cycle, outstanding 2024 payments, NSFAS loan processes, accommodation delays, the unresolved 2020 close out, difficulties with transport allowance facilitation, delays in appeals, and a significant rise in NSFAS exceptions. The SRC called for detailed clarity on how each matter would be resolved and how processes could be streamlined going forward.
NSFAS representatives, Mr Mthetheleli Ndaba (Accounts Administrator) and Mr Thilivhali Mukondeleli (University Support Senior Manager), acknowledged that national administrative backlogs had contributed to delays across institutions. They explained that several issues remain unresolved due to internal processes still underway. NSFAS noted that all universities had been instructed to submit accurate data lists and commended VUT for its consistency in following up on outstanding matters, describing this level of accountability as rare and commendable.
NSFAS assured VUT that all eligible students will receive tuition, accommodation and book allowances. Students who were unfunded in 2024 will be integrated into the next payment cycle once VUT submits complete registration data. They confirmed that 149 VUT students remain affected and require urgent processing.
Accommodation challenges constituted a major component of the dialogue. NSFAS emphasised that delays often stem from inconsistent or incomplete tenant data submitted by institutions. Going forward, students must submit a single verified lease agreement, confirmed by the institution. Multiple leases from different landlords will no longer be accepted. With the national accommodation budget now sitting at R14 billion, NSFAS signalled a renewed focus on strict accreditation compliance, following incidents where accommodation providers received approval without meeting the required standards.
Deputy President Ndaba also sought clarity on the global list, while other SRC members raised concerns about fairness between TVET and university applicants. NSFAS acknowledged historic imbalances and committed to implementing strategies to ensure more equitable outcomes.
Registration challenges, particularly for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students, were highlighted. Many WIL students who registered before 8 September 2025 did not receive allowances because their data was submitted weekly rather than as consolidated batches. NSFAS urged VUT to align its data submission processes with national standards to prevent future delays. They further noted that although VUT has shown notable improvement in managing exemptions since 2021, challenges persist when students register at multiple institutions or provide conflicting information.
Transport allowance eligibility was clarified: students who apply for accommodation automatically become ineligible for transport funding. Funds are transferred to institutions, which then distribute them to qualifying students.
On NSFAS loans, officials emphasised the importance of timely and accurate submissions and committed to holding a virtual meeting with VUT to streamline the process.
Communication emerged as a central theme throughout the engagement. Both NSFAS and VUT leadership stressed the need to keep students informed through official channels, particularly during registration, appeals, and accommodation verification. NSFAS encouraged constructive collaboration, noting that unresolved conflicts at other institutions had previously harmed the academic and professional futures of student leaders.
NSFAS concluded by confirming that they will spend a full week in Gauteng in January 2026 and will visit VUT twice during that period to support registration. They reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening long term support systems and improving institutional cooperation. President Nkosi thanked NSFAS for their collaboration and highlighted the need for improved accessibility, noting that many students struggle to reach NSFAS through existing channels. He also requested early confirmation of the January engagements to allow VUT adequate preparation. NSFAS reaffirmed their support and encouraged ongoing dialogue, reminding stakeholders that progress is achieved through engagement rather than conflict.
Beyond the NSFAS meeting, the Cape Town benchmarking sessions enriched SRC leadership development.
At CPUT, engagements focused on academic support systems, constitutional review practices and leadership benefits, offering insights into how governance frameworks can better serve students.
At Stellenbosch University, the SRC engaged with an innovative driver’s licence support initiative designed to help students access testing and training. This concept holds strong potential for VUT, especially for students involved in WIL placements or off campus activities.
The visit also included team building and strategic exercises that strengthened SRC unity and enhanced their ability to advocate for students in a coordinated, well-informed manner.
The December Cape Town programme, combined with the NSFAS engagement, represents a significant step forward in strengthening institutional relations, improving funding processes, and deepening the SRC’s commitment to student welfare at VUT.