Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim Steps In to Assist Students Facing NSFAS Challenges
One of the most urgent issues raised was the delay in GAP investigations, which verify student registration, enrolment, accommodation, and academic results to prevent fraud.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Yusuf Cassim, has stepped in to directly assist students grappling with delays and frustrations at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
His intervention has already led to immediate action, with NSFAS teams deployed to resolve outstanding allowance payments at the Central University of Technology (CUT).
The engagement took place on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in Cape Town, where Cassim met with NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula and senior officials.
The Deputy Minister placed pressing student concerns on the table, many of which had been received through his Helpdesk and during his oversight visit to UNISA the previous week.
One of the most urgent issues raised was the delay in GAP investigations, which verify student registration, enrolment, accommodation, and academic results to prevent fraud. Cassim expressed concern that students were waiting up to five months for answers, leaving them unable to continue their studies.
“It is unacceptable for students to wait more than three months without clarity while their education and livelihoods are at stake,” he said.
NSFAS confirmed that 4,138 students remain under investigation due to missing academic data from institutions, while 2,361 cases have already been processed and funding restored.
Cassim requested a list of affected students per institution and instructed the Department’s University branch to assist NSFAS in obtaining the required data to expedite the process.
NSFAS committed to finalising 1,515 UNISA GAP cases by Friday, 17 July, and addressing over 400 Nelson Mandela University students on extended programmes.
Concerns Over Second Semester Admissions
The Deputy Minister also raised alarm over NSFAS’s lack of commitment regarding funding for students registering for the second semester, which begins next week.
NSFAS indicated that a funding submission is being finalised due to a deficit, but Cassim expressed displeasure at the delay and vowed to follow up to ensure students are not left stranded.
Cassim highlighted concerns about NSFAS’s monthly payment schedule, noting that funds are transferred about a week after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process payments.
He appealed for adjustments to ensure allowances, such as UNISA’s R316 Personal Care Allowance, arrive on time. NSFAS acknowledged the concern and promised to provide feedback.
Both parties also discussed broader policy issues, including the insufficiency of the Personal Care Allowance and the need to review the value and types of allowances available. Cassim noted that the ongoing NSFAS policy review and the imminent review of the NSFAS Act present opportunities to address these matters.
Cassim raised concerns about the lengthy appeals process, with NSFAS confirming that appeals will now be handled directly by institutions following the appointment of the Administrator. The Deputy Minister committed to monitoring this function closely to ensure students receive timely resolutions.
He also visited the NSFAS call centre, where he found that many student queries took months to resolve. “It’s important that we improve our response rate to student queries at all times,” Cassim said. He pledged to ensure his Helpdesk works closely with NSFAS to assist students more effectively.
Immediate Action and Reassurance
Following the meeting, NSFAS deployed teams to CUT to address allowance delays for students in non-accredited accommodation. Cassim welcomed this immediate intervention, describing it as a sign of responsiveness. NSFAS further reassured him that there are no outstanding allowances, including those for TVET students.
Cassim confirmed that his office will continue forwarding individual cases received via the Helpdesk to NSFAS for resolution. “My office is available to assist NSFAS in improving its services where it can,” he said, urging the Administrator to support officials committed to making a positive contribution.
The Deputy Minister’s intervention marks a significant step in addressing long-standing frustrations faced by students dependent on NSFAS. By placing student concerns at the centre of discussions and demanding accountability, Cassim has signaled a commitment to building a more responsive higher education system.
For thousands of students awaiting allowances, GAP investigation outcomes, or second semester registration, his actions have provided hope that government is listening - and acting.
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