TL Seretlo Business Consulting, Waterstone Park, 17A Black Rock Street, Greenstone Hill x18, Edenvale, Johannesburg (2026)

19/10/2026

A reminder to all NSFAS accommodation providers whose properties are graded E or D.

Don't wait for the last minute to make improvements and apply for a new grading.

Teboho Seretlo Dez Sikakane Liyema IKhaya Consulting

07/10/2026

NSFAS Student Accommodation: Location is becoming just as important as compliance

If you are considering investing in a property for NSFAS-funded student accommodation, there is another question you should be asking before you buy, lease, convert or refurbish a building:Is there actually demand for additional accredited beds in that area? A recent NSFAS Notice provides an important lesson for both prospective and existing accommodation providers.
Following an assessment of accommodation capacity and demand, NSFAS has found that Joburg and the Vaal currently have sufficient accredited accommodation capacity relative to demand. NSFAS has therefore temporarily suspended the normal processing of new accreditation applications in these areas. Perhaps even more significant is the principle behind the decision. NSFAS says it will adopt a demand-led approach to new accreditation in areas where sufficient accredited capacity already exists. In Joburg and the Vaal, prospective providers can express interest, but NSFAS will assess the property against prevailing student demand and existing accredited capacity before deciding whether to proceed with accreditation. What does this mean for would-be student accommodation investors? Location selection cannot be based only on proximity to a university or TVET college. Before committing significant capital, understand the student population, existing accredited bed capacity, potential unmet demand and the institutions your property is intended to serve.A property can meet the physical accreditation standards and still be situated in an area where additional beds are simply not required at that time. In fact, NSFAS specifically cautions prospective providers in Joburg and the Vaal against making significant expenditure or financial commitments based on an expectation of accreditation during the temporary closure. And what about existing Johannesburg and Vaal accommodation providers? Importantly, the circular specifically refers to the temporary closure of the accreditation process for new accommodation providers. If you are already accredited, read your existing agreement carefully. Check the accreditation period, expiry date, renewal or re-accreditation provisions and any requirements relating to inspections. Do not automatically assume that the temporary closure either applies — or does not apply — to your particular contractual position. Where necessary, seek clarification from NSFAS.
The bigger lesson?📍 Location matters.📊 Demand matters.🏠 Compliance still matters.

A good student accommodation investment needs all three.

Dez Sikakane Teboho Seretlo

30/09/2026

As we approach year-end, this is a good time to continue the conversation about getting properties accreditation-ready.
Whether you are preparing to apply for accreditation for the first time, or your existing accreditation or contract is approaching expiry, now is the time to start preparing.

One of the mistakes accommodation providers make is waiting until an accreditation inspection is imminent before checking whether the property actually meets the required standards.
By then, there may simply not be enough time to address the gaps identified.
Some issues can be fixed relatively quickly. Others — such as maintenance work, safety and security improvements, room configuration, communal facilities, municipal compliance or other property-related requirements — may require time, money, contractors and, in some cases, approvals.
An accreditation inspection should therefore not be the first time you discover that your property has compliance gaps.
Start early. Assess the property. Identify the gaps. Develop an action plan. Budget for the required improvements.
A pre-assessment gives you an opportunity to look at the property through an accreditation-readiness lens before the formal inspection takes place.

Consulting agents such as Liyema Ikhaya assist student accommodation providers with pre-assessments and readiness checks to identify potential gaps and prioritise what needs attention.
📩 If you are preparing for accreditation or renewal for the next cycle, email [email protected] to discuss a property readiness assessment.

Sihle Sikakane
Liyema IKhaya Consulting Dez Sikakane

11/08/2026

COMMON NSFAS ACCREDITATION MISTAKE: CREATING BEDROOMS WITH NO WINDOWS

In an effort to maximise bed capacity, some accommodation providers convert passages, lounges or other internal spaces into additional bedrooms by installing dry-walling.

The problem arises when the newly created “bedroom” has no window and therefore no access to natural light or natural ventilation.

We recently inspected a property where this had been done. When the issue was raised, the landlord proposed installing mechanical extractor fans in the affected rooms.

While mechanical ventilation may assist with air circulation, it does not solve the second problem: The room still has no natural light.

A bedroom should not simply be a space in which a bed can fit. Its suitability must also be considered in terms of the minimum accommodation requirements, including adequate lighting and ventilation.

This is why it is important to understand the requirements before altering a property to increase capacity. Creating additional rooms first and checking compliance afterwards can result in money being spent on alterations that ultimately do not increase the number of permissible beds.

Liyema Ikhaya is the place to go to for pre-accreditation assessments and they help accommodation providers identify these issues before the formal accreditation inspection — allowing them to make informed decisions about room configuration, capacity and any improvements that may be required.

📩 If you are preparing a property for NSFAS accreditation and would like an independent readiness assessment, DM me or contact Liyema Ikhaya on this email address [email protected]

Dez Sikakane Liyema IKhaya Consulting Teboho Seretlo

04/08/2026

This week’s lesson in our series on common mistakes made by accommodation providers seeking NSFAS accreditation focuses on bunk beds.
In an effort to maximise available space and increase potential rental income, some landlords install bunk beds in student bedrooms. However, the NSFAS minimum norms and standards determine the permitted number of students per room according to the room’s size in square metres. Installing bunk beds does not increase the approved capacity of a room.
I have inspected several properties where this mistake had already been made. It is always difficult to see the disappointment when a landlord is informed that the number of beds must be reduced. By that stage, the landlord may already have spent money on unsuitable furniture and paid an NSFAS registration fee based on an overstated number of beds.
This is precisely why landlords should understand the requirements from the outset, before registering the property or undergoing the formal inspection. Proper preparation can prevent unnecessary expenditure, delays and disappointment, while also making the accreditation process more efficient for everyone involved.
A pre-accreditation assessment by Liyema Ikhaya Consulting can help identify these and other compliance gaps before the formal inspection, allowing accommodation providers to make informed decisions and prepare their properties correctly.
Preparation today can save you time, money and unnecessary delays.

Dez Sikakane

01/06/2026

The recent announcement that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) -funded students in South Africa will no longer be placed in privately owned accommodation graded D and E from 2027 onwards is an important wake-up call for the student accommodation sector.

At the same time, recent media reports and student protests regarding unsafe and poorly maintained accommodation remind us that student housing is not just about beds — it is about dignity, safety, wellbeing, and a conducive learning environment.

As accommodation providers, we all have a responsibility to ensure that our properties do not contribute to the frustrations that often lead to protest action, especially at the beginning of academic years.

From what I have observed as a NSFAS private student accommodation panelist, many grading challenges are not always major structural issues. In many cases, they relate to:
• Maintenance and upkeep
• Safety and security measures
• Room sizes and ventilation
• Communal spaces
• Compliance documentation
• General property management standards

The good news is that there is still time for property owners to assess their current grading status, identify gaps, and prepare for regrading before the end of 2026.

The sector cannot afford complacency. Beyond compliance, improving standards protects students, strengthens the reputation of private accommodation providers, and supports stability within our institutions of higher learning.

Let us commit to doing better for our youth. If you are not sure where to start, seek advice from those in the know, get a pre-assessment evaluation to save you time and frustration.

Liyema IKhaya Consulting Dez Sikakane

14/05/2026

📂 Keep a compliance file ready at all times.

A reminder to all NSFAS private student accommodation providers with Grade E and Grade D Buildings: Improve your grade before end of 2026 as NSFAS will no longer place their students in your buildings from 2027. This means loss of revenue for you.

Over the last few weeks, I have been posting some useful tips aimed at assisting you with your upgrade.

Today's tip is about some of the documentation that you need to keep on file and always up to date. Documentation matters.

If you don't have these documents, then it will affect your grading. "If you can't prove it, it doesn't count".

Teboho Seretlo Dez Sikakane Liyema IKhaya Consulting

05/05/2026

NSFAS Tip: Maintenance issues can result in lower grading.
From cracked walls that can pose a danger to students, to leaking plumbing lines — such issues send a big signal during inspections.
🛠️ Regular upkeep is cheaper than last-minute fixes. Ensure you also keep a building Maintanance plan for your property.

Liyema IKhaya Consulting Dez Sikakane Teboho Seretlo

25/04/2026

🔐 TIP 4: Safety and Security are a grading lever
NSFAS Tip: Security is not just about compliance — it affects your grading.
Think: access control, alarm system, CCTV cameras, lighting, burglar proofing, emergency preparedness.
🚨 If it’s not clearly visible, it may not count during inspection.

Liyema IKhaya Consulting Dez Sikakane Teboho Seretlo

22/04/2026

NSFAS Student Accommodation - Upgrade your Grading from a E and D to at least a C to avoid losing your income

🛋️ TIP 3: Communal spaces matter more than you think
NSFAS Tip: No TV room or recreational space? Your grading will be impacted.
NSFAS looks beyond bedrooms — student wellbeing includes shared living spaces.
🪑 A simple, well-designed communal recreational area can significantly improve your score.

For more information and pre-assessment to get you ready for re-inspection, contact Dez Sikakane on [email protected] or reply "UPGRADE" on this post.

Teboho Seretlo

TL Seretlo Business Consulting

19/10/2026

07/10/2026

30/09/2026

11/08/2026

04/08/2026

01/06/2026

14/05/2026

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