Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim visited the University of South Africa (Unisa) on 10 July 2026 to intervene in significant delays regarding National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) payments. More than 93,000 students were affected by the failure to disburse the monthly Personal Care Allowance for July, sparking widespread frustration across the institution.
Systemic Failures And Official Oversight
NSFAS successfully transferred the required funding to Unisa on 2 July 2026, but a technical system glitch at the university prevented the funds from reaching student accounts. Unisa confirmed the error was rectified on 6 July 2026, allowing the processing of outstanding payments to resume following the disruption.
During his visit, Deputy Minister Cassim criticised the adequacy of current support, noting that the R316 monthly allowance is insufficient for the needs of distance-learning students. He announced his intention to write to NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to propose a formal review of payment schedules to prevent future administrative bottlenecks.
"If we are being honest, R316 per month for a distance-learning student, which is less than the Social Relief Grant, is simply not enough given the resources students need to succeed academically," Cassim stated during his visit.
Impact On Students And Future Policy
The incident highlights the precarious reliance of distance-learning students on these allowances, particularly as concerns mount over reduced data provisions. The logistical strain is further exacerbated by thin margins in payment transfer windows between NSFAS and tertiary institutions, which leave little room for error when technical issues arise.
While officials work to stabilise the current disbursement cycle, reports have emerged alleging that some students may have received less than their full, expected allowance amounts. Further scrutiny into the precise allocation of these funds is expected as the ministry continues its collaboration with stakeholders to ensure consistent financial support for the student body.
The Department of Higher Education and Training is expected to provide an update on the proposed review of NSFAS payment schedules in the coming weeks.