Luhambo Students, a newly launched accommodation near the University of Mpumalanga, has introduced a R400 non-refundable application fee for 2025/26.
While the facility is still fresh on the market, many students are questioning how such a steep fee is even justifiable. The timing and nature of the fee have raised eyebrows, especially considering Luhambo’s previous failed attempt to charge R1000 deposits and R900 top-ups earlier this year.
Students are calling the move a calculated strategy to squeeze profits quickly from a vulnerable demographic. With the accommodation still building its reputation, critics argue that Luhambo is prioritizing revenue over accessibility. The R400 fee is not linked to any refundable service or guarantee. It simply secures the right to apply, regardless of whether the student is accepted or not. For many, this feels like a cash grab disguised as administration.
The frustration is amplified by the financial pressure students already face. NSFAS delays, rising tuition, and transport costs have left many learners scrambling to survive. Luhambo’s decision to target applicants with a non-refundable fee, especially after backing down from earlier deposit demands, feels like a shift in tactics rather than a genuine solution. Students are asking whether this is about covering costs or exploiting desperation.
What makes the situation worse is the lack of transparency. There has been no clear breakdown of what the R400 covers. No consultation with student bodies. No alternative options for those who genuinely cannot afford it. The silence from Luhambo’s management has only fueled speculation that profit is the driving force behind this decision.
As applications open for 2026, students are left with a bitter choice. Pay the fee and hope for a spot, or look elsewhere and risk missing out on proximity and convenience. Either way, the message is clear. Luhambo is not just offering accommodation. It is selling access. And for many, that price is simply too high.
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