Yusuf Cassim pledges to tackle education challenges as South Africa’s newly appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education, outlining an ambitious vision to reform the country’s higher education system, improve student funding, and address long-standing issues affecting thousands of students.

Cassim has made it clear that his appointment is more than a political milestone. The 36-year-old Democratic Alliance (DA) politician says his mission is to fight for meaningful reforms that improve access to higher education while ensuring students receive the financial support they need to succeed.

The Eastern Cape politician has also criticised the current centralised National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding model, arguing that it has contributed to delays and administrative challenges affecting students nationwide.

Yusuf Cassim begins new chapter in higher education

The appointment of Yusuf Cassim as Deputy Minister of Higher Education marks what he describes as a “full circle” moment in his political journey.

Speaking about his new role, Cassim explained that his passion for politics began while studying BCom Accounting at Nelson Mandela University, where he witnessed first-hand the financial hardships experienced by students.

He said many students struggled to pay tuition fees, secure accommodation and even afford transport to attend lectures or examinations.

According to Cassim, those experiences motivated him to enter student leadership and later national politics with the goal of transforming the higher education sector.

“I started my political activism as a university student after seeing the critical issues that some of my peers were faced with,” Cassim said.

He added that his new position allows him to tackle those challenges from a national policy perspective.

NSFAS funding reforms remain a priority

Cassim wants decentralised student funding

One of Cassim’s biggest priorities is reforming NSFAS funding, which has faced repeated criticism over payment delays and administrative failures.

The Deputy Minister believes universities should receive funding directly instead of relying on the current centralised payment model.

According to Cassim, decentralising student funding would reduce delays, improve accountability and ensure students receive financial assistance faster.

He said thousands of students continue to contact him regarding delayed NSFAS allowances, creating unnecessary stress and uncertainty.

“Unless we deal with the underlying issues at a policy level, we are not going to win,” Cassim said.

He added that policy reform is necessary to ensure higher education institutions can efficiently support students.

Student activism shaped Yusuf Cassim’s leadership

Early political career at Nelson Mandela University

Cassim’s political journey began through student activism.

While studying at Nelson Mandela University, he became actively involved in various student organisations, including the Muslim Student Association.

However, dissatisfaction with student governance eventually led him to establish the Democratic Alliance Students’ Organisation (DASO) branch at the university in 2009.

He later became the institution’s first DA Student Representative Council president.

During his leadership, several initiatives were introduced, including:

• Expanded student shuttle transport services.
• Student bailout funding for financially distressed students.
• Greater financial accountability within student leadership.
• Improved support for disadvantaged students.

Cassim believes those reforms demonstrated how effective leadership can positively impact student lives.

Political journey to Parliament

Cassim’s political career continued to grow after university.

He became DA Youth Federal Chairperson in 2013 before being elected to Parliament in 2014.

Since then, he has held several leadership positions within the Democratic Alliance, including:

• Member of Parliament.
• Provincial Deputy Chairperson.
• Eastern Cape Provincial Chairperson.
• Deputy Minister of Higher Education.

His appointment follows years of involvement in education policy and parliamentary oversight.

Calls for education policy reform

Fighting systemic challenges

Cassim believes South Africa’s education system requires structural reforms rather than temporary interventions.

Among the issues he hopes to address are:

• NSFAS payment delays.
• Student accommodation shortages.
• Funding inequalities.
• Skills development.
• Youth unemployment.
• Policy inefficiencies.

He argues that sustainable reforms require collaboration between universities, government departments and student organisations.

Oversight visit highlights financial challenges

During a recent oversight visit to the University of South Africa (Unisa), Cassim met university leadership to discuss ongoing financial pressures affecting students.

The visit focused on NSFAS payment delays and the broader sustainability of student funding.

Unisa Acting Chief Financial Officer Liana Joubert revealed that the institution experienced significant financial deficits after disbursing more funding than it received.

According to Joubert:

• Unisa recorded a R106 million deficit during 2025.
• A further R213 million shortfall is projected after student support payments.
• Distance education funding remains significantly lower than funding provided to contact universities.

Joubert emphasised the importance of cooperation between universities and NSFAS to improve payment systems.

Higher Education South Africa faces growing pressure

South Africa’s higher education sector continues to face several challenges, including rising student enrolments, increasing operational costs and funding constraints.

Cassim believes stronger cooperation between government departments, universities and funding agencies is essential.

He has pledged to engage stakeholders to develop practical solutions that improve financial sustainability while protecting students from unnecessary hardship.

Yusuf Cassim condemns division and Islamophobia

Beyond education policy, Cassim also addressed Islamophobic attacks directed at him following his appointment.

He warned against growing political divisions based on race, religion and ethnicity.

According to Cassim, South Africa’s future depends on unity rather than political polarisation.

He urged citizens to reject intolerance and work together to solve the country’s social and economic challenges.

“Our goal is to build a South Africa where all citizens benefit from our democracy,” he said.

Collaboration with universities and NSFAS

Cassim has emphasised that resolving student funding problems requires collaboration rather than conflict.

During his oversight engagements, he presented university leadership with numerous student complaints involving:

• Delayed NSFAS payments.
• Outstanding bursary disbursements.
• Personal care allowances.
• Registration challenges.

He requested formal responses from institutions while encouraging open dialogue between universities, the Department of Higher Education and Training, and NSFAS.

Officials from NSFAS acknowledged the financial pressures affecting institutions and confirmed discussions with National Treasury and other stakeholders regarding additional funding.

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Future of higher education under Yusuf Cassim

The appointment of Yusuf Cassim comes at a critical time for South Africa’s higher education sector.

Thousands of students continue to rely on NSFAS funding while universities face increasing financial pressure.

Cassim believes meaningful policy reform, decentralised funding, improved accountability and stronger collaboration will help build a more efficient higher education system.

His focus remains on ensuring every deserving student has access to quality education regardless of financial circumstances.

As Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Cassim says he intends to continue engaging students, universities and policymakers to ensure reforms deliver measurable improvements across the sector.

With ongoing scrutiny of NSFAS and increasing demands for accountability, his leadership will likely play an important role in shaping the future of higher education in South Africa.