The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) and the National Gambling Board (Ngb) have formed a partnership to protect students from gambling harms and to preserve public education funds. This initiative follows reports of students using their allowances for online betting. The collaboration aims to provide education and awareness to promote responsible choices.
In response to revelations about tertiary students diverting Nsfas allowances to online gambling platforms such as Betway, Hollywoodbets, and Sportsbet, Nsfas and the Ngb announced a joint effort on 18 February 2026. Discussions between the organizations began in 2025, with plans for a nationwide campaign rolling out throughout 2026.
Nsfas acting chief executive officer Waseem Carrim stated that the partnership focuses on prevention and awareness to ensure students use funds for education and essential needs. "Nsfas funding is intended to support students’ educational journey and essential living needs. When these funds are diverted to gambling, it can undermine academic success and long-term financial wellbeing," Carrim said.
Ngb acting chief executive officer Lungile Dukwana emphasized harm reduction for young people, particularly amid the rise of gambling promotion via digital platforms and social media. The initiative includes on-campus programs, workshops on financial literacy and gambling risks, and information sharing under legal frameworks.
Students at institutions like Walter Sisulu University cited reasons for gambling, including aspirations for financial gains and supplementing insufficient funding. One student, Mudzanani Thuvhusiwi, explained, “I am in pursuit of a soft life. Sometimes you see people winning a lot of money, and I also want to win.” Another mentioned using winnings to support their household.
Rise Mzansi Mp Makashule Gana welcomed the move but called for sustained engagement and university-led research on gambling addiction prevalence among students. Separately, the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation and the Sa Bookmakers’ Association are developing safeguards to restrict access for Nsfas and social grant recipients. Nsfas plans more robust tracking of allowances by 2027, prioritizing current disbursement stability.