University of Johannesburg students protest in Auckland Park over accommodation top-ups

Students of Kingsway Place staged another protest on June 11 over accommodation top-up fees, saying they are tired of being ignored.

The latest demonstration follows ongoing complaints from National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funded University of Johannesburg (UJ) students who claim they are being forced to pay accommodation top-ups despite NSFAS accommodation allowances.

Read more: UJ students protest over accommodation top-ups amid eviction fears

Students allege that while NSFAS pays R52 000 per year towards their accommodation, they are required to sign lease agreements valued at R62 000.

They say the R10 000 difference is recovered through monthly top-up payments of about R1 000 over a ten-month period.

On June 5, students described the arrangements as double leasing, arguing that they are effectively being charged beyond the amount.

On top of that, students are also concerned about administration fees they say they paid after being told the money would be refunded, which it has not been.

Also read: Melville residents take to the streets as water crisis sparks urgent protest

The publication sent questions to NSFAS on June 5, regarding the following:

• Is NSFAS aware that some UJ students are being asked to pay accommodation top-up fees?
• What is NSFAS doing to help students who say they are struggling with these additional accommodation costs?
• Has NSFAS received any complaints from students about accommodation top-up fees at accredited residences?
• Will NSFAS investigate the concerns raised by UJ students regarding accommodation fees and possible evictions?

The publication received no comment from the accommodation providers or NSFAS, despite following up again on June 11, for comment. Their response will be updated once it’s received.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!