NSFAS Restores Funding for 357 Nelson Mandela University Students
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has corrected a funding error that left 357 Nelson Mandela University students without aid. Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim visited the university, confirmed all allowances are up to date, and pledged further support for student concerns.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has restored financial assistance for 357 students at Nelson Mandela University (NMU) who were mistakenly defunded because of incorrect qualification codes. The correction was announced on 22 September 2026 by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim, who confirmed that all outstanding allowances for the affected students are now up to date.
What Happened
Students enrolled in extended programmes at NMU had their funding withdrawn due to a coding error. The mistake was identified after the Deputy Minister’s office received complaints through the Helpdesk. Cassim’s visit to NMU’s Gqeberha and George campuses on Friday and Saturday, respectively, was aimed at addressing the issue directly with students and university officials.
Background and Context
NSFAS is the government agency that provides financial aid to South African students. The agency’s mandate includes scholarships, bursaries, and meal allowances. In July 2026, Yusuf Cassim was appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Early in his tenure, he highlighted the need to urgently restore funding for students who had been incorrectly defunded.
Extended programmes at NMU are designed for students who require additional time to complete their studies. These programmes often rely heavily on NSFAS support, making any interruption in funding particularly disruptive.
Student Concerns and Campus Engagement
During the visits, students voiced a range of concerns beyond the funding error. These included:
- Defunding linked to gap investigations and incorrect qualification codes.
- Issues with dual registration that complicated fee structures.
- Delays in implementing an opt‑out from the cafeteria‑based Meal Management System (MMS).
- High food mark‑ups and lack of halal options in the campus cafeteria.
- Safety concerns related to off‑campus accommodation and transport.
- Challenges accessing campus health services and delays in disability allowance approvals.
Deputy Minister Cassim emphasized that student concerns should not be eclipsed by administrative disruptions. He assured that the Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk remains available to all students, regardless of the nature of their issue.
Commitments and Next Steps
NSFAS has pledged to meet with NMU’s finance team this week to resolve any remaining matters and ensure that all affected students receive the necessary assistance. The Deputy Minister also instructed NSFAS to review the status of meal allowance payments linked to the MMS and to develop an operational plan that will allow students to opt out of the system as soon as possible.
Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) such as the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) and the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (merSETA) have also committed to further discussions with NMU to address bursary challenges.
In a statement, Cassim apologized for the disruptions experienced at the Gqeberha campus, noting that the incidents were beyond the Office’s control but reaffirming the commitment to ensure no student is left behind.
Key facts
- NSFAS reinstated aid for 357 NMU students
- Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim visited campuses
- Students raised concerns about meals, safety, and health services
- NSFAS and SETAs are working to resolve bursary issues
- Deputy Minister apologized for campus disruptions
Why it matters
The swift correction of NSFAS funding errors ensures that students can continue their studies without interruption, safeguarding their academic and financial well‑being.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the defunding?
Incorrect qualification codes entered into NSFAS’s system led to the withdrawal of aid.
How many students were affected?
357 students enrolled in extended programmes at NMU.
What steps are being taken to prevent future errors?
NSFAS is reviewing its coding processes and will implement additional checks.
When will the meal system opt‑out be available?
An operational plan is being developed; students will be informed once it is ready.
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “NSFAS restores funding for Nelson Mandela University students”
