Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has formally handed over written complaints and enquiries from students at the University of South Africa (Unisa) to the institution's management.
These highlight concerns over delays in National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Personal Care Allowance payments and the discontinuation of monthly data allowances.
The complaints, submitted through the Deputy Minister's Helpdesk, detailed widespread frustration among students over delayed July's Personal Care Allowance payments and ongoing data and connectivity challenges, which remain critical for distance-learning students. More than 93 000 Unisa students have been affected by the delays.
During a recent meeting attended by Cassim, Unisa management, student leaders, and NSFAS representatives, it was confirmed that NSFAS transferred the required funds to Unisa on 2 July 2026. However, the university experienced a system glitch that delayed the processing of payments for some students.
According to Unisa, the technical issue was resolved on Monday, 6 July 2026, and outstanding payments are currently being processed.
The Deputy Minister said students should not have been subjected to delays, particularly given the limited value of the Personal Care Allowance.
"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. However, these are policy issues, which can only be changed through the annual NSFAS policy review process," Cassim said.
Key outcomes and action items
The engagement resulted in several commitments aimed at addressing immediate challenges and improving coordination between NSFAS and Unisa.
Cassim will write to NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula, requesting a comprehensive briefing on allowance payment schedules to institutions.
Cassim noted that the Unisa incident exposed weaknesses in the current process, with NSFAS transferring funds only after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process student payments. He called for a review of payment schedules to ensure better alignment.
NSFAS also committed to deploying its finance department team to Unisa next week to reconcile outstanding payments and resolve other financial matters affecting the two institutions.
Unisa management further undertook to arrange a direct engagement between Cassim and the Unisa student body to provide Cassim with an opportunity to listen to students directly and understand the issues first-hand.
Policy review opportunities
Cassim said the annual NSFAS policy review process, together with the forthcoming review of the NSFAS Act, presents an opportunity to address several longstanding issues affecting distance-learning students.
These include the exclusion of Unisa students registered for fewer than 10 modules from receiving allowances, the insufficiency of the R316 Personal Care Allowance, the absence of additional allowances beyond Personal Care and once-off book allowances, and the funding model of distance learning institutions like Unisa.
Cassim said the visit has strengthened his understanding of these challenges, which will guide his contributions to the processes at the appropriate time.
Call to restore monthly data support
Cassim also urged the Unisa Council to reconsider its decision to discontinue monthly data allowances, emphasising that affordable and reliable internet access is essential for academic success in a distance-learning environment.
While welcoming the Council's efforts to negotiate with private sector partners to provide low-cost data, Cassim maintained that a sustainable solution is needed to ensure that students receive regular monthly data allocations.
Cassim reaffirmed his commitment to the Helpdesk, describing it as a vital “helping hand” that provides swift, personalised support to students by escalating queries and grievances and driving meaningful solutions.
"The concerns of our students are valid and must be addressed with urgency and empathy. We will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that ensure that no student is left behind," he said.
The Deputy Minister also raised additional complaints received through the DM’s Helpdesk, including allegations that some students had received less than the full R316 Personal Care Allowance.
The university denied the allegations, despite being presented with evidence during the meeting, and requested that all reported cases be forwarded to assess each case individually and provide responses where necessary. – SAnews.gov.za
