NSFAS students accused of gambling away TAXPAYER money

NSFAS students may be gambling away the taxpayer money paid to them to assist with their tertiary education. This is the assertion of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), in concert with the National Gambling Board (NGB).

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As The South African has reported before, the NSFAS is a vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands of needy students. However, over the years, it has been chronically undermined by poor governance, tender manipulation and systemic fraud.

NSFAS STUDENTS GAMBLING AWAY TAXPAYER MONEY

Now, the NSFAS and NGB are raising awareness about the dangers of online gambling for students. In a media statement released this week, the scheme clarified its position on safeguarding public funds allocated for higher education.

“There are growing concerns about the increasing exposure of young people to online gambling. And the unintended use of student allowances for these gambling activities. Not just sports betting but Las Vegas-style games are becoming increasingly popular with students,” said the statement.

R48 BILLION IN FUNDING

Awareness campaigns hope to educate NSFAS students on the dangers of online gambling. Image: File

Falling under the Department of Higher Education and Training, the NSFAS provides financial support to students from households with an income of less than R350 000 per year. Funding includes registration, tuition, food, accommodation, transport, learning materials and even a personal care allowance. These work out to approximately R5 200 per month all inclusive.

According to parliamentary figures, there were more than 811 000 NSFAS students provisionally funded in 2025. Of these, roughly 200 000 were fully funded. And the NSFAS allocated a combined value of about R48 billion for the past academic year.

STRUGGLING NSFAS STUDENTS

Tellingly, the Finance Minister said prior to his 2026 Budget Speech that the NSFAS is the one government scheme he would shut down immediately if it were up to him. But he explained that government never could, due to the dependence NSFAS students have developed. And the unrest student protests would cause on campuses around the country.

Nevertheless, beyond fraud and corruption, the scourge of NSFAS students gambling away their allowance is of growing concern. The scheme explains they are particularly vulnerable to the promise of get-rich-quick wins online.

SERIOUS AND RECURRING SCANDALS  

Billions in maladministered funds is still to be recouped by the Department of Higher Education. Image: File

For the most part, the NSFAS has been plagued by a series of fraud, corruption and maladministration scandals. The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) believes more than R5 billion was allocated to non-qualifying NSFAS students. Likewise, private accommodation and service providers were not properly regulated or vetted before receiving millions in tenders.

As such, back in 2024, Minister Blade Nzimande saw fit to dissolve the NSFAS board. More worrying is the fact that not a dime of this money has been recouped over the years …

But what do you think? Can you blame NSFAS students for allegedly gambling away their allowances? Or is the entire scheme simply beyond saving? Share your thoughts in the comments section below …

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