The national student financial aid scheme (Nsfas) has slammed a Pretoria nightclub for promoting that students to spend funds meant for their education on booze at the club.

Nsfas is a government bursary aid scheme to fund the education of the poor.

While the fund pays student fees directly to the institution, it further disburses an allowance to help the students it funds pay for food, learning material and other living expenses and transport where necessary.

“We have been made aware of an advertising stunt by an establishment named Europa Lounge in Sunnyside,” Nsfas said in a statement adding that Europa used the tagline “Nsfas Ingenile” loosely translating to Nsfas funds have been deposited into your account.

The fund said it condemned such adverts.

“This reckless behaviour not only perpetuates undue use of the Nsfas allowance by its beneficiaries, but it also counters the scheme’s efforts to instil financial responsibility in its beneficiaries.

“The entity will be taking the necessary legal steps to ensure that Europa is held accountable.”

Europa Lounge has since distanced itself from the advert.

“There is a flyer in circulation promoting an event at Europa regarding a student financial aid scheme, no event of such nature is happening on our premises,” the club said.

“We do not condone or encourage any events of this nature.

“We sincerely apologise to our customers and various stakeholders affected by the unauthorised marketing.”