PRETORIA, Gauteng — Ongoing NSFAS funding delays linked to double registrations and missing data are exacerbating a systemic crisis for students across South African higher education institutions, with differently abled students bearing the brunt of the administrative bottlenecks.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Yusuf Cassim, recently confirmed that efforts are underway to resolve the outstanding NSFAS funding allowances. However, Cassim emphasized that the department must first address foundational problems related to double registrations and missing student data. These administrative hurdles, compounded by broader governance challenges within NSFAS, have significantly delayed financial support for students across institutions of higher learning.
The impact of these delays is particularly severe for students requiring specialized support. Siyabonga Khumalo, Chair of the Differently Abled Students Association and a University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Honours Graduate, outlined the complex transition students face. When students initially apply, they are typically processed under a general NSFAS bursary. Only after institutional registration does an internal process transform this into a disability bursary. This specific categorization is crucial, as it unlocks access to essential assistive devices, including specialized software, motorized wheelchairs, walking canes for the visually impaired, Braille machines, and human support funds.
However, unresolved financial gaps are derailing these academic journeys. Khumalo noted that non-payments for differently abled students at institutions like UKZN date back as far as 2023. When students graduate with historical debts, their qualification certificates are routinely withheld by the institution. While academic transcripts or letters of completion may be provided, these documents have a limited validity period and are often rejected by employers who require certified degree certificates. Consequently, graduates are left stranded in a wasteful period, unable to practically apply for jobs while waiting for NSFAS to clear historical debts.
The crisis extends beyond graduation, actively disrupting current academic years. Khumalo highlighted that during the 2026 academic year, NSFAS delays resulted in some students having their university accommodation or residences revoked because their renewal status remained unconfirmed. Forced into non-conducive private accommodation, these students faced compounded challenges, including severe delays in attaining the special devices required for their daily functioning and learning. Furthermore, institutions often block reregistration for returning students who carry unpaid historical debt, systematically excluding those who already face compounded physical and academic challenges.
Despite constant reminders from university funding advisors to NSFAS regarding outstanding fees, Khumalo stated there is no clear outline, intervention, or actionable plan to resolve these payments. This lack of accountability has cemented the crisis, sparking fears that the same cycle of exclusion will resurface in the 2027 academic year if left unaddressed.
Students attempting to navigate this bureaucratic maze frequently encounter a persistent blame game. When the Differently Abled Students Association intervenes, NSFAS often claims that the educational institution failed to submit data in record time. Conversely, when the institution is contacted, officials assert that all data was submitted but NSFAS failed to respond. This administrative back-and-forth leaves students stranded in the middle, unsure of who is responsible and further preventing them from thriving in their academic pursuits.
Adding to the systemic strain is the rigid structure of the assistive device policy. Khumalo pointed out that the bursary typically covers only one assistive device for an entire qualification period, which is highly unrealistic given that student needs evolve over a three- to four-year course. While a maintenance fee is reserved, it is largely insufficient. For example, a motorized wheelchair used daily will inevitably experience wear and tear, such as depleted batteries or damaged tires. The allocated maintenance funds rarely cover the full cost of these essential repairs, severely limiting the program’s visibility and effectiveness in ensuring consistent, equitable support for students with disabilities in a university context.
As the Department of Higher Education and Training continues to navigate these governance challenges, advocates stress that immediate transparency and accountability from both NSFAS and higher education institutions are critical to halting the systemic exclusion of vulnerable students.
