TETA Commits to Clear Student Payment Delays After Government Talks

The commitment follows discussions with Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim, who intervened after receiving numerous complaints from students through his Helpdesk.

South Africa's Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA) has committed to speeding up the payment of outstanding student bursary allowances and apprentice stipends after concerns were raised over months of delays affecting hundreds of beneficiaries. The commitment follows discussions with Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim, who intervened after receiving numerous complaints from students through his Helpdesk.

Nearly 300 students and apprentices reported that they had not received their financial support between February and August 2026, raising concerns about the impact on their studies and training.

Government Steps In to Resolve Delays

Cassim met with TETA officials this week as part of ongoing efforts to address issues affecting students in the post-school education and training sector. The engagement focused on resolving delayed payments and ensuring that affected beneficiaries receive the financial support they are entitled to without further setbacks.

Following the meeting, TETA confirmed that bursary payments for 104 students will be completed by the end of the week. The remaining beneficiaries will go through an expedited verification process, with payments expected to be released immediately after the checks are finalised next week.

New Measures to Improve Payment System

As part of the agreed action plan, TETA will verify supporting documents for an additional 108 beneficiaries before processing their payments. The authority is also developing a new payment model in partnership with higher education institutions that will use existing university systems to reduce administrative delays. The revised process is expected to be introduced during the next academic year.

TETA will also work closely with the Deputy Minister's Helpdesk so that bursary-related complaints can be escalated directly to the authority for faster resolution.

Focus on Protecting Students

Cassim said delayed allowances place unnecessary pressure on students, making it harder for them to focus on their education while waiting months for financial assistance. He stressed that payments should be treated as a priority and said he would continue monitoring the situation to ensure beneficiaries receive the support they need.

The Deputy Minister also thanked TETA for its willingness to engage constructively and take practical steps to address the concerns. He said protecting students' opportunities for academic success remains a key priority, adding that financial challenges should never become a barrier to completing their education or training.