NSFAS restores funding for 357 NMU students after qualification code error

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has restored funding for 357 Nelson Mandela University students who were defunded because of incorrect qualification codes, the Ministry of Higher Education and Training confirmed after Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim’s visit to the university.

Funding restored and allowances up to date

Officials confirmed the restoration during Cassim’s official visit to Nelson Mandela University’s Gqeberha campus on Friday, 18 September. NSFAS also confirmed that all allowances for the affected students were up to date, the ministry said.

How the issue reached the deputy minister

Cassim first raised the matter after his appointment in July 2026 and repeatedly engaged NSFAS to expedite assistance. The scheme committed to meet NMU’s finance team this week to address outstanding matters and ensure affected students receive support.

Student concerns heard on campus

The visit followed concerns submitted to Cassim’s Helpdesk and included engagements at NMU’s George campus on Saturday, 19 September. Students at the Gqeberha campus raised a range of funding-related issues, including defunding linked to GAP investigations, incorrect qualification codes and dual registration.

Students also raised delays in implementing the announced opt-out from the cafeteria-based Meal Management System (MMS), along with concerns about food, accommodation and Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) bursaries.

Support from SETAs and health engagement

The ministry said SETAs, including the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) and merSETA, were already assisting students on the ground and had committed to further engagement with the university. Higher Health will engage with NMU’s campus health services to identify gaps in student support.

Deputy minister actions and instructions

Cassim instructed NSFAS to review the status of payments to the institution for meal allowances linked to the MMS and to develop an operational plan to allow students to opt out as soon as possible. He emphasised that students must have a choice and should not be locked into meal arrangements they did not choose.

“We will continue to go where the issues are. The Deputy Minister’s Helpdesk assists all students,”

The ministry said Cassim proceeded with the Gqeberha engagement despite attempts by some student organisations to disrupt the programme. He condemned actions that blocked campus entrances and prevented students from attending classes or meeting officials.

“Students who came in good faith, some of them in tears, were denied access to the very people who could help them. Politics cannot be used to block other students from government services. That must stop,”

“However, they should not prevent us from working collectively to ensure that no student is left behind,”

Deputy minister’s ties to NMU

The ministry noted that Cassim is an NMU alumnus and a former student representative council president and said he remained committed to supporting the institution and its students.