Category: South Africa Government

The Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Migration has in a statement reaffirmed government’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to vulnerable foreign nationals affected by recent tensions, while insisting that immigration laws will continue to be enforced in a lawful and orderly manner.

In a statement issued on Friday, the IMC said it had taken note of concerns raised by the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign about the treatment of migrants and foreign nationals in South Africa, including calls for greater humanitarian support, protection for vulnerable people and clarity on repatriation processes.

The IMC said government welcomed constructive engagement with civil society organisations and stressed that migration management would continue to be guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, international obligations and respect for human dignity.

The IMC also strongly condemned xenophobia, vigilantism and violence against foreign nationals, saying the management of immigration, deportation and repatriation is the responsibility of the state.

“Those who engage in unlawful searches, harassment, intimidation, assault or forced displacement of any person will face the full consequences of the law,” the statement said.

At the same time, government acknowledged public concerns about irregular migration and said these would be addressed through President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Five-Point Plan on Migration Management, which focuses on strengthening law enforcement, securing borders, improving migration systems, closing legislative gaps and enhancing cooperation with other African countries.

The IMC said humanitarian support remained central to government’s response to recent displacement involving foreign nationals.

Government departments, provincial administrations, municipalities, health authorities and humanitarian organisations have been working together to provide healthcare services, food, water, sanitation and social support to affected individuals.

Special measures have also been implemented to protect children, women and other vulnerable groups, while government has coordinated assistance with embassies, consulates, faith-based organisations, non-governmental organisations and international partners.

The committee acknowledged concerns that some displaced foreign nationals had been sleeping in open spaces and other unsuitable conditions. 

However, it said South Africa had in many cases provided humanitarian and logistical support beyond what is normally required under international repatriation arrangements, particularly where vulnerable people are involved or where receiving countries are still finalising logistical arrangements.

The IMC also sought to clarify what it described as misinformation surrounding the repatriation process.

It said repatriation is fundamentally voluntary and undertaken in cooperation with both the affected individual and their country of origin. 

While South Africa is responsible for identity verification, immigration compliance, security screening and facilitating lawful departures, the responsibility for documenting citizens, issuing travel documents and arranging transport rests primarily with the governments and diplomatic missions of the countries concerned.

As a result, the IMC said delays in departures can occur because of administrative and logistical processes involving multiple stakeholders and should not be interpreted as a lack of commitment by South Africa.

Government thanked several African countries for working with South African authorities to facilitate the voluntary return of their nationals, including Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, adding that engagement with other countries was continuing where necessary.

The IMC reiterated government’s commitment to protecting everyone in South Africa from violence and intimidation, enforcing immigration laws fairly, working with foreign governments on orderly repatriation, providing humanitarian assistance where needed and promoting social cohesion while countering misinformation.

The committee said it would continue engaging with civil society organisations, including the Siyafana Sonke Action Campaign, as well as faith-based organisations, business, labour and community groups.

“Migration management and humanitarian protection are not mutually exclusive objectives. South Africa remains committed to pursuing both in a manner that is lawful, humane and consistent with our constitutional values,” the statement said. – SAnews.gov.za

Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong says community radio has been one of the great democratic success stories of the last three decades.

“Stations such as Radio Mafisa have helped turn the values of our Constitution into lived realities by connecting citizens to information, public services and one another,” Morolong said.

Radio Mafisa broadcasts on 93.4 FM, serving communities including Phokeng, Boitekong, Marikana, Mogwase and Tlhabane.

Speaking at the official handover of upgraded broadcasting facilities at Radio Mafisa in Rustenburg in the North West province on Friday, Morolong said the democratic government introduced a three-tier broadcasting system of community, commercial and public broadcasting which has seen over 300 community broadcasters licensed around the country.

“It is important to look at where we come from as a country. The South African media was owned almost exclusively by the white people, with a small section within that group controlling most newspapers,” Morolong said.

He said community media plays an important role in bringing people together, preserving their languages and culture and ensuring that even the most remote communities have a voice.

“There is therefore a special sense of pride for me in joining you today to celebrate another milestone that will strengthen a station that has become an integral part of the social fabric of this province.

“Today, we are not simply celebrating the handover of upgraded broadcasting facilities, we are celebrating an investment in the people of the North West and in the future of the community broadcasting sector,” he said.

Morolong told guests that the 30th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic coincides with the three decades of Radio Mafisa’s existence.

“This is no small achievement. As such, I extend my sincere congratulations to the Board, management, staff, volunteers and listeners of Radio Mafisa. Thirty years of community broadcasting is an achievement that reflects resilience, dedication and a deep commitment to serving the public interest,” Morolong said.      

Broadcasting from the heart of the Rustenburg platinum belt, the station has become much more than a broadcaster, it has become a trusted companion to thousands of listeners.

The station now boasts modern studio equipment funded by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) at a cost of R2 million.

“As South Africa prepares for the upcoming local government elections, this investment also comes at an important time. Community radio stations will once again play a critical role in providing accessible platforms for voter education, public debate and the dissemination of credible information, helping citizens make informed decisions while countering misinformation and promoting peaceful democratic participation,” the Deputy Minister said.

Morolong encouraged stronger partnerships between community broadcasters, municipalities, the private sector, mining companies, civil society organisations and local businesses.

“By working together, we can strengthen community media as institutions that contribute not only to communication, but also to local economic development, skills development and social cohesion,” Morolong said.

MDDA Board member Jayshree Pather said she was happy to know that funding the station would benefit of the community.

“We are excited to have helped Radio Mafisa go digital. This has ensured that the station is modern,” Pather said.

Pather said they were going to fund more community radio stations throughout the country.

Executive Mayor of Rustenburg Local Municipality Shiella Mabale-Huma said the municipality acknowledged the important role of the media in communities.

“Radio Mafisa … plays the role of keeping our communities informed and also providing educational programmes,” Mabale-Huma said.

Tshwarelo Mogapi, a local resident, told SAnews that the community relies on Radio Mafisa for information and entertainment.

“The station caters to both the old and the young. What I like about the station is that I rely on it for government news,” Mogapi said. – SAnews.gov.za
 

The Department of Home Affairs has urged couples in qualifying customary marriages to register their unions before the special registration period closes on 31 August 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the department reminded the public that only a few weeks remain before the deadline for registering customary marriages that were not recorded within the prescribed period.

The special registration window, which runs from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026, was introduced by the Minister of Home Affairs to allow couples to regularise their marital status.

The registration drive applies to customary marriages concluded before the Recognition of Customary Marriages Act came into effect in November 2000, as well as marriages entered into after the law’s commencement that were not registered within the required timeframe.

Home Affairs warned couples against waiting until the final days of the registration period, saying a last-minute rush could result in long queues and processing delays at its offices.

“The department urges qualifying couples not to wait until the last minute, as this may result in unnecessary queues and delays,” the department said.

The department has also appealed to traditional leaders, community leaders and civil society organisations to assist in raising awareness of the deadline and encourage eligible couples to complete the registration process as soon as possible.

Registering a customary marriage is important because it provides legal recognition of the union and helps protect the rights of spouses in matters such as inheritance, property ownership and other legal and administrative processes.

Members of the public who need information about the registration process or the supporting documents required have been advised to visit their nearest Home Affairs office before the 31 August 2026 deadline. – SAnews.gov.za
 

By Nomonde Mnukwa

The recent News24 article, Blurred lines: DA, EFF sneak party colours into government media, raises an important issue that warrants thoughtful public discussion. Beyond questions of design or branding, it invites us to reflect on the importance of preserving the integrity of South Africa’s national identity and the distinction between the state and political parties.

Every nation is defined by the symbols that express its identity, history and shared values. In South Africa, these include the National Flag, the National Coat of Arms and the National Anthem. These are symbols that belong to all South Africans and embody the principles of our constitutional democracy. Together, they reflect our journey as a nation, celebrate our diversity and inspire a shared sense of belonging.

To ensure that these national symbols are represented consistently and with dignity, the South African Government has adopted a Corporate Identity Manual. The Manual establishes a uniform corporate identity prescribing how the National Coat of Arms and other elements of government’s visual identity should be applied across all official communication. More than a set of design standards, it serves as an important governance tool that protects the integrity of government’s identity, promotes consistency across departments, and enables citizens to easily recognise authentic government communication and services. 

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), as the custodian of government’s Corporate Identity, is responsible for safeguarding the implementation of the Manual by providing guidance and support to departments and ensuring that the National Coat of Arms and other elements of government’s identity are applied correctly and consistently across all government communication platforms.

This responsibility extends beyond visual identity. It is fundamental to protecting the integrity, credibility and recognisability of government as a single institution serving all South Africans. Through the consistent application of government’s corporate identity, GCIS strengthens public trust, reinforces the distinction between the state and political organisations, and supports nation-building by ensuring that government communicates through one clear and authoritative identity.

The National Flag is perhaps the most visible and universally recognised symbol of our nation. With its distinctive colours of black, green, gold, white, red and blue, it reflects South Africa’s diversity, unity and democratic aspirations. Wherever South Africans gather, whether during international sporting events, diplomatic engagements or national commemorations, the flag is a powerful source of pride and unity. It embodies our shared identity and reflects the democratic values upon which our nation is built. 

Former President Nelson Mandela captured this sentiment well when he said:

“The new South African national flag… [flies] not as a symbol of a political party, nor of a government, but as a possession of the people – the one thing that is literally and figuratively above all else, our flag.”

These words remain as relevant today as they were when they were first spoken. They remind us that our national symbols belong to every South African, irrespective of political affiliation. They unite rather than divide and serve as enduring expressions of our constitutional democracy.

The same principle applies to the National Coat of Arms. The National Coat of Arms is the singular corporate identity of the South African Government and is consistently applied across government departments as the official symbol of the Republic. It is important to distinguish between the use of colours and the use of the government’s official corporate identity. The Government Corporate Identity Manual prescribes the correct application of the National Coat of Arms, including its approved colour palette, which incorporates colours such as green, red, blue, gold, brown, orange, black, and maroon. 

The colours contained in the National Coat of Arms and National Flag form part of South Africa’s official national identity and should not be construed as an endorsement of, or association with, any political party that may use similar colours in its branding. The fact that some colours contained in the National Coat of Arms or the National Flag may also appear in the branding of political parties should not, in itself, be interpreted as government adopting or promoting party colours.

Government departments may, where appropriate, utilise a range of colours in communication and promotional material, provided that such use complies with the Government Corporate Identity Manual. Colours are not exclusive to any political organisation. The defining feature of official government communication is the authorised use of the National Coat of Arms and compliance with government’s prescribed corporate identity standards.

Protecting the integrity of the Government’s corporate identity is a shared responsibility.  It safeguards public confidence in state institutions, ensures that national symbols remain above political contestation, and reinforces the shared identity that belongs equally to every South African. All stakeholders should therefore avoid using official government symbols in ways that could blur the distinction between the state and political organisations or undermine public confidence in official government communication. 

For this reason, any inappropriate or unauthorised use of government’s corporate identity is taken seriously. Where deviations from the prescribed standards are identified, GCIS engages with the relevant departments to provide guidance and support to ensure that the Government Corporate Identity Manual is correctly applied.

As South Africa continues to build a capable, ethical and developmental state, the proper use of government symbols remains both a constitutional obligation and a democratic necessity. Our national symbols represent far more than official emblems; they embody our shared history, democratic values and collective aspirations. Their consistent and appropriate use preserves the integrity of government communication, strengthens social cohesion, and reinforces the principle that the South African state belongs equally to all its people, irrespective of political affiliation. Through protecting these symbols, we protect an important part of our national identity.

Let us therefore recommit ourselves to preserving the integrity of our national symbols, ensuring that they remain above political contestation and continue to serve as unifying symbols of our democracy. By respecting and protecting these symbols, we reinforce our shared national identity and honour the democratic values that bind us together as one nation.

Ms Nomonde Mnukwa is the Acting Director General  of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).

South Africa is today marking Nelson Mandela International Day – a global day of service observed every year on 18 July to honour the life and legacy of South Africa’s first democratically elected President. 

People are marking the day by dedicating 67 minutes to acts of community service, while commemorative events are taking place in several countries.

In South Africa, communities, schools, businesses and organisations are taking part in food donation drives, clean-up campaigns, tree-planting initiatives, blood donation drives and volunteer projects. 

As part of the country’s Mandela Day commemorations, President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate the launch of the Unserved Communities Access Acceleration Programme in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. 

The programme, which aligns with Mandela Month, aims to accelerate the rollout of vital water infrastructure to historically marginalised communities. It forms part of the Presidential Water Crisis Committee’s long-term goal of delivering sustainable, decentralised groundwater treatment to rural and peri-urban areas.

The initiative is a key government intervention aimed at restoring dignity and combating deep-seated poverty, while advancing the 2026 Nelson Mandela International Day themes of equality and active citizenship.

Meanwhile, thousands will gather at the DP World Wanderers Stadium for the annual Mandela Day Walk & Run on Sunday, a celebration of unity, purpose, wellness, and the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela. Inspired by Madiba’s famous walks through the streets of Houghton, this iconic Johannesburg event invites South Africans from all walks of life to quite literally walk in the footsteps of Tata Madiba.

Cape Town is hosting its annual Mandela Day Langtafel, where thousands of people are expected to gather around a giant communal table to share a meal and celebrate unity, while the 67 Blankets for Mandela Day campaign continues collecting and distributing handmade blankets to vulnerable communities across the country.

International commemorations are taking place at the United Nations headquarters in New York. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on people everywhere to carry forward Madiba’s vision of a more just, equal and peaceful world. In his Mandela Day message, the Secretary-General reflected on Nelson Mandela’s belief that ending poverty is not an act of charity, but an act of justice. 

The Nelson Mandela Foundation this week launched the inaugural Nelson Mandela Global Leadership Forum in New York, creating a new international platform for conversations about the leadership challenges shaping the world today. The inaugural Forum featured New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani as the Distinguished Speaker, continuing the Foundation’s longstanding tradition of convening influential voices to engage with some of the defining questions of our time.

Earlier this week, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged South Africans to use Mandela Day not only as an opportunity to perform acts of service, but also to renew the country’s commitment to tackling poverty, inequality and injustice.

In his weekly newsletter, the President said the annual commemoration should inspire both individual acts of kindness and collective action to address the root causes of inequality.

He reminded South Africans that the United Nations declared 18 July Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009, making it a global day of action dedicated to advancing Madiba’s legacy through the fight against poverty, inequality and injustice.

President Ramaphosa encouraged South Africans to dedicate their traditional 67 minutes to helping those in need by feeding the hungry, supporting the elderly, comforting the lonely or volunteering their skills to organisations serving local communities.

However, he stressed that the late Madiba viewed the eradication of poverty as an act of justice rather than charity, saying the country must recommit itself to ending poverty and inequality.

The President said addressing inequality also requires changes to global financial systems and stronger international cooperation. He noted that South Africa is working with international partners to establish an International Panel on Inequality to monitor global inequality, assess its causes and recommend policies to reverse it.

At home, President Ramaphosa said government must continue investing in education, healthcare, skills development and social protection, while creating conditions that support investment, job creation and economic growth.

He said the spirit of Mandela Day should extend beyond acts of service, with South Africans working together to build stronger institutions and a more just and inclusive society.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, President Ramaphosa reminded South Africans that “it is now in your hands”, urging citizens to ensure their acts of service contribute to building a better country and a better world for all. – SAnews.gov.za

South Africa and Namibia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation by signing seven agreements aimed at boosting trade, investment, industrialisation and regional integration during the Fourth Session of the South Africa -Namibia Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Pretoria.

Co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Commission reviewed progress in bilateral relations and adopted measures to accelerate implementation of agreements and programmes that will deliver tangible economic and developmental benefits to the people of both countries.

The Fourth Session was preceded by meetings of senior officials from 14 to 15 July and a ministerial segment on 16 July, where progress on previous decisions was assessed and recommendations prepared for consideration by the two Heads of State.

In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting on Friday, the two Presidents reaffirmed the historic bonds of friendship forged during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid.

“The two Presidents reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations and expressed satisfaction with the steady growth of cooperation between the two countries. They reiterated their commitment to further strengthening political, economic, social and cultural relations for the mutual benefit of their peoples,” the joint communiqué said. 

The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union (AU) and other multilateral forums, while advancing regional peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.

They underscored the urgency of accelerating implementation of regional and continental frameworks, including the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020–2030, the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Namibia also expressed its support for South Africa as host of the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government in August 2026.

Recognising the geographical proximity, economic interdependence and complementary resource endowments of the two countries, the Presidents agreed to intensify economic cooperation.

“They agreed to promote greater trade and investment, strengthen cross-border value chains, facilitate private-sector partnerships and pursue opportunities for joint industrial development and beneficiation,” the joint communiqué said. 

The two countries also agreed to deepen collaboration in the mining, petroleum and natural gas sectors by expanding cooperation across mineral and energy value chains.

The communiqué said the partnership would place greater emphasis on exploration, research, technology, skills development, local value addition and beneficiation to support industrialisation, economic diversification, energy security and employment creation.

Energy cooperation featured prominently during the discussions, with the two leaders agreeing to strengthen collaboration in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy and regional energy security.

They also committed to accelerating implementation of the Kudu Gas Power Project.

Transport and logistics were identified as critical enablers of trade, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor and other transport links connecting South Africa, Namibia and the broader Southern African region.

The two governments also agreed to strengthen cooperation in water resource management, agriculture and food security, public health, skills development and public-sector capacity building to improve resilience, service delivery and socio-economic development.

The Commission culminated in the signing of seven bilateral agreements and instruments of cooperation covering:

• Employment and labour; 
• Public administration capacity building between South Africa’s National School of Government and Namibia’s Institute of Public Administration and Management; 
• Bilateral air services; 
• Legal cooperation; 
• Correctional services; 
• An economic partnership agreement between the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and 
• Gender equality and women’s empowerment. 

The two Heads of State also welcomed the convening of the South Africa-Namibia Business Forum, describing it as a strategic public-private partnership platform that will promote greater economic cooperation between the two countries.

Held under the theme: “Driving Regional Industrialisation, Investment and Sustainable Growth Through Strategic South Africa–Namibia Partnerships”, the forum brought together government and business leaders to strengthen trade, investment and industrial partnerships.

South Africa and Namibia already enjoy strong trade and investment relations, with more than 50 South African companies investing in Namibia between 2023 and 2025. These investments contributed approximately US$1.2 billion in capital and created around 4 900 jobs across sectors including mining, banking, insurance, property and renewable energy.

Established in 2013, the Bi-National Commission is the highest formal mechanism for cooperation between South Africa and Namibia. Since its inception, it has become the principal platform for coordinating bilateral relations across political, economic, social, environmental, science and technology, defence and security sectors.

The two countries have concluded 75 agreements and memoranda of understanding covering a broad range of areas, including political and economic cooperation, social development, defence and security, as well as historical agreements relating to the handover of Walvis Bay.

To ensure decisions taken during the Fourth Session are implemented, the two Presidents directed relevant ministries, departments and agencies to develop clear implementation plans with defined responsibilities and timelines.

They further instructed senior officials to monitor implementation regularly and use the Mid-Term Review mechanism to assess progress, address challenges and ensure accountability.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah also invited President Ramaphosa to undertake a working visit to Namibia to co-chair the Fifth Session of the Bi-National Commission at a mutually agreed date. President Ramaphosa accepted the invitation. – SAnews.gov.za

Government will use this year’s Mandela Day to launch 67 decentralised water supply projects across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape as part of a national drive to provide safe and reliable water to underserved communities.

The initiatives form part of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s National Water Access Acceleration Programme, which seeks to fast-track access to water services in more than 2 600 unserved settlements nationwide.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina, and Minister in the Presidency Maropene Ramokgopa will lead handover ceremonies in the three provinces on Saturday, 18 July 2026.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the Deputy President and Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo will officially hand over 27 decentralised water supply schemes, including the Babanango Community Water Supply Scheme and the Msinga Borehole Water Supply Intervention.

The Babanango project supplies treated drinking water to communities in the uMzinyathi District through protected natural springs, a borehole backup system and a 0.5-megalitre-per-day package water treatment plant connected to approximately 42 kilometres of pipelines, reservoirs and communal standpipes.

The scheme provides reliable drinking water to communities including Ngwebeni, Enkanini, Nkonjane, Nhlengile and Nkangala while generating employment and skills development opportunities during construction.

The Msinga intervention comprises nine interconnected borehole-based water supply schemes serving remote rural communities in the uMzinyathi District Municipality. The projects provide potable water through boreholes, storage reservoirs and communal standpipes, reducing dependence on unsafe water sources and lengthy walks to collect water.

The two KwaZulu-Natal projects are expected to improve water security for more than 8 000 residents.

Mncwasa Water Supply Scheme

In the Eastern Cape, Minister Ramokgopa will officially launch the Mncwasa Water Supply Scheme in the OR Tambo District.

The project, funded through the Water Services Infrastructure Grant, involved upgrading an existing groundwater supply system, rehabilitating pumping infrastructure, constructing nearly seven kilometres of new reticulation pipelines and installing additional communal standpipes.

The R4.4 million project will provide a sustainable water supply to approximately 510 residents of Mncwasa and Mbhozisa villages and was completed ahead of schedule.

The Department of Water and Sanitation said the 67 projects represent the first phase of the National Water Access Acceleration Programme, implemented through Water Boards under the Water Services Act.

More than R200 million has been allocated to Phase One of the programme, which combines borehole drilling, groundwater development, spring protection, rainwater harvesting and rehabilitation of existing water infrastructure to expand access to safe drinking water.

The 67 groundwater interventions are expected to benefit an estimated 125 986 people across the three provinces, with further implementation phases planned for October 2026 and April 2027. – SAnews.gov.za
 

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has met with National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, to address student concerns over funding delays, outstanding GAP or vetting process investigations, allowance payments and the processing of appeals.

The meeting, held in Cape Town this week, followed complaints received through the Deputy Minister’s Help Desk and issues raised during Cassim’s recent visit to the University of South Africa (Unisa), where students reported delays in receiving NSFAS allowances.

Among immediate outcome of the engagement include the deployment of NSFAS teams to the Central University of Technology to assist students in non-accredited accommodation who have experienced delays in receiving their allowances.

Over 2 000 investigations completed

Cassim raised concerns over delays in GAP investigations, noting that prolonged waiting periods have left many students without funding for several months.

While acknowledging the importance of the verification process to confirm student registration, enrolment, accommodation and academic eligibility, and to prevent fraud, he said the lengthy turnaround times affect students’ ability to continue their studies.

NSFAS reported that it is awaiting academic information from higher education institutions for 4 138 students whose GAP investigations remain outstanding.

The Deputy Minister requested a breakdown of affected students by institution and instructed the department’s university branch to assist NSFAS in obtaining the required information to speed up the process.

NSFAS reported that it has completed 2 361 GAP investigations, restoring funding for students, from a caseload of more than 10 000.

The scheme also committed to:
• Finalising 1 515 outstanding Unisa GAP cases by 17 July 2026;
• Urgently resolving GAP cases affecting more than 400 Nelson Mandela University students enrolled in Extended Programmes; and
• Conducting a visit to Nelson Mandela University to engage directly on funding-related issues.

Cassim also expressed concern that NSFAS had not yet provided certainty on funding for students due to register for Unisa’s second semester, which begins next week.

NSFAS said it is finalising its funding submission to the Ministry of Higher Education and Training in light of funding constraints.

“I will continue engaging the scheme to ensure the matter is resolved without further delay,” Cassim said.

Allowance payments and appeals

The Deputy Minister questioned NSFAS’s monthly allowance payment schedule, noting that transfers to institutions are generally made about a week after the start of each month, leaving institutions with limited time to process student payments.

He appealed to NSFAS to review the payment schedule for Unisa’s R316 personal care allowance to ensure students receive payments on time. NSFAS acknowledged the concern and undertook to provide feedback.

Cassim also raised concerns about delays in processing student appeals.

According to NSFAS, appeals are now handled directly by the scheme after the appeals tribunal was discontinued, with measures being implemented to improve turnaround times. This follows the appointment of the Administrator.

The Deputy Minister and the NSFAS Administrator also discussed broader policy issues, including concerns over the adequacy of the R316 personal care allowance and the value and structure of other student allowances.

“The ongoing review of NSFAS policies, together with the anticipated review of the NSFAS Act, provides an opportunity to address these issues,” Cassim said.

Improving student support

During his visit, Cassim toured the NSFAS call centre, where he met staff and discussed delays in resolving student queries.

“It is important that we improve our response rate to student queries at all times. My office will ensure that the Deputy Minister’s Help Desk works closely with NSFAS so that we can collaborate more effectively to assist students,” he said.

He added that his office remains available to support NSFAS in improving service delivery and encouraged the Administrator to continue supporting officials committed to strengthening the institution.

NSFAS also assured the Deputy Minister that there are no outstanding allowance payments, including for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college students.

Cassim said individual cases received through the Deputy Minister’s Help Desk would be referred directly to NSFAS for resolution. – SAnews.gov.za