Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has welcomed the Transport Education and Training Authority's (TETA) commitment to accelerate the payment of outstanding student bursary allowances and apprentice stipends following months of delays.
The commitment follows the Deputy Minister's engagement with TETA this week, after nearly 300 beneficiaries reported that they had not received their bursary allowances and stipends from February to August 2026.
The visit was prompted by student queries and concerns received through the Deputy Minister's Helpdesk regarding unpaid bursary allowances and apprentice stipends.
It also formed part of Cassim's ongoing efforts to engage directly with institutions to resolve issues affecting students and ensure quicker solutions to challenges within the post-school education and training sector.
Following the engagement, TETA has committed to finalise bursary allowance payments for 104 students by the end of this week.
The remaining beneficiaries will undergo an expedited verification process, with payments processed immediately after the verifications are completed next week.
While acknowledging the operational context provided by TETA, which has led to these delays, Cassim emphasised the need for swift action to prevent further delays.
“Students are unfairly disadvantaged in their studies whilst waiting the entire year for their allowances,” Cassim said.
Action steps
As part of the agreed action plan, TETA has committed to:
• Finalising payments for 104 student bursary beneficiaries by the end of this week.
• Completing the verification of supporting documentation for an additional 108 beneficiaries by the end of next week, with payments to follow immediately thereafter.
• TETA is developing a new payment model, in partnership with relevant institutions, to reduce administrative burden by leveraging existing university systems. The revised model is expected to be implemented in the next academic year.
• Working with the Deputy Minister's Helpdesk, which will escalate all incoming TETA-related bursary enquiries directly to the entity for urgent attention.
Cassim said he will continue to closely monitor progress to ensure students receive the financial support they are entitled to and intervene whenever students' chances of academic success are compromised.
"Students shouldn't have to choose between studying and worrying about allowances. Through my engagement with TETA, I have emphasised that these payments must be prioritised and completed urgently," the Deputy Minister said.
The Deputy Minister also thanked TETA for its constructive engagement and willingness to work constructively to address the concerns raised. – SAnews.gov.za
