Question NW1722 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
09 June 2022 - NW1722
Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether the Sol Plaatje University accredited accommodation service providers who submitted their bids after the closing date of November 2021; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what were the reasons; (2) whether he has received any complaints of discrimination against the specified university by black property owners; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) what are the reasons that the university caps accommodation subsidies at R2 000 when the National Student Financial Aid Scheme allocates R4 000 for each month?
Reply:
1. Sol Plaatje University’s off-campus accommodation accreditation process opened in November 2021. Service providers that missed the first submission deadline were afforded an opportunity to submit applications of accreditation up until the last day of February 2022. The university reported that the process of accreditation is open to all interested parties that meet the requirements in the minimum norms and standards as stipulated by DHET. All properties must be conducive to living and learning. Note: 99.9% of the Sol Plaatje University accredited off-campus accommodation suppliers advance BBB economic empowerment goals.
2. Neither the Minister nor the Department have received complaints of discrimination against SPU by black property owners.
3. Please note that as per the 2022 NSFAS eligibility criteria and conditions for financial aid, private accommodation allowance is limited to the maximum cost of the equivalent University owned on-campus accommodation at a particular institution. The SPU in consultation with all affected landlords has set the 2022 private accommodation rental/allowances for a double room at R3 500 and single rooms are capped at R4 200.