Yusuf Cassim Vows to Stabilize NSFAS, Setas in Higher Education Overhaul
Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education Yusuf Cassim pledges to prioritize the stabilization of NSFAS and Setas to improve access and reform the sector.
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Yusuf Cassim, newly appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, has pledged to prioritize the stabilization of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and Sector Education and Training Authorities (Setas) as part of a broader overhaul of South Africa’s higher education system.
Cassim was appointed to the role in July 2026, according to SABC News. In his first public statements, he emphasized access to higher education as a core mission, stating his intent to fight for greater equity and functionality within the sector.
‘I’m not here to cut ribbons,’ Cassim said, according to Timeslive, signaling a focus on substantive reform rather than ceremonial duties. He identified the stabilization of NSFAS and Setas as immediate priorities, institutions that have faced criticism over funding delays, administrative inefficiencies, and governance challenges in recent years.
NSFAS provides financial support to students at public universities and TVET colleges, while Setas are responsible for workforce development across key economic sectors. Both have been central to government efforts to expand skills development and reduce unemployment.
Cassim did not provide a detailed roadmap for reform but stressed urgency in addressing systemic issues. ‘We need to restore trust and ensure that these institutions serve students and the broader public effectively,’ he told Timeslive.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has faced ongoing scrutiny over the management of student funding and skills programs. Cassim’s appointment comes amid broader government restructuring efforts following the 2026 national elections.