The Ongoing NSFAS Payment Delays at DUT

Durban University of Technology (DUT) students are grappling with severe financial hardship as National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) allowance payments remain delayed well into the third week of the 2026 academic year. Classes commenced on February 9 across DUT's seven campuses in Durban and the Midlands, but many NSFAS-funded students—primarily from low-income households—have yet to receive their living, food, or learning material allowances. This has left thousands struggling to cover basic needs like rent, transport, and groceries, shifting their focus from studies to survival.

The crisis escalated to violent protests, prompting DUT to suspend in-person lectures from February 18 and pivot to online learning—a move rejected by student groups like the Economic Freedom Fighters Youth Command (EFFYC), who argue it exacerbates inequality for those without reliable devices or data. NSFAS Acting CEO Waseem Carrim confirmed R3.6 billion was disbursed to universities in early February for allowances, yet distribution bottlenecks persist at institutions like DUT.

Understanding NSFAS and Its Role in South African Higher Education

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded bursary program designed to make post-school education accessible to South Africa's financially disadvantaged youth. Established in 1991 and expanded under the National Development Plan, NSFAS covers tuition, accommodation, living expenses, books, and learning materials for eligible students at public universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. For 2026, NSFAS approved funding for 609,403 first-time entering students and 416,688 continuing students who met academic progression criteria, processing nearly 894,000 applications by early January.

Allowances vary by institution and accommodation status: up to R5,200 monthly for university students in private accommodation, including components for food (R2,000–R3,000), personal care, and transport. At DUT, a TVET-aligned university of technology, these funds are critical for students commuting between campuses or residing off-site. Delays disrupt this lifeline, echoing chronic issues from 2025 when fraud probes and system overhauls led to similar backlogs nationwide.

Timeline of the DUT NSFAS Delays in 2026

The saga unfolded rapidly after the academic year began:

• January 2, 2026: NSFAS finalizes all 2026 funding decisions; students urged to check portals.
• Early February: R3.6 billion disbursed to universities for allowances; NSFAS claims payments in process.
• February 9: DUT classes start; students expect allowances in week two per norm.
• February 9–13: DUT processes two NSFAS tranches for verified students.
• Mid-February: Delays mount; protests erupt over unpaid allowances, registration glitches, and fee blocks. Violence includes property damage and intimidation.
• February 18: DUT suspends face-to-face classes, shifts online amid safety concerns.
• February 21: Third payment expected; some receive late Friday funds, but many await.
• Ongoing: Weekly payments pledged till month-end; March by 7th.

This mirrors 2025 patterns where DUT advanced R44 million from its budget after NSFAS delays.

Human Impact: Stories from Affected DUT Students

Third-year Art and Design student (anonymous): "We normally receive our NSFAS allowance during the second week... almost three weeks in, nothing. No materials, no transport—walking between campuses is unsafe." She relies on inconsistent parental aid for food.

Another third-year: Returned with R200 from unemployed father, surviving on two meals daily. "Anxious about survival, not studies... frustrating at semester start."

Effects ripple: skipped classes, incomplete assignments, mental health strain, potential dropouts. Protests reflect desperation, with SRC and South African Union of Students (SAUS) demanding immediate payouts. For more student experiences, check resources like Rate My Professor for campus insights or higher ed career advice.

Protests Erupt: Violence, Disruptions, and Shift to Online Learning

Frustration boiled over into violent protests across DUT campuses, involving weapons, property damage, and intimidation—non-protesters threatened. DUT suspended physical classes from February 18, opting for online amid safety risks.

EFFYC rejected this, blaming DUT's "incompetence" and systems failure, not students. They demand NSFAS allowances "without further delay," arguing online learning excludes data-poor students without devices—many awaiting NSFAS funds for these. "No allowance, no classes," they chant, prioritizing hunger over lectures.

Similar unrest at Wits, UCT, NMU highlights national NSFAS woes.

Photo by Clodagh Da Paixao on Unsplash

DUT and NSFAS Official Responses

DUT: Acknowledges issues, blames unverifiable banking details and new system glitches (e.g., erased info post-registration). Financial Aid Unit overwhelmed by queries; 72-hour response target strained by duplicates. Pledges weekly payments; no prior four-year delays.

NSFAS: Funds released; blames institutions for distribution. In 2025, DUT advanced payments reimbursed same day. Appeals open 30 days post-rejection.

External: IOL on DUT crisis, DUT response.

Root Causes: Systemic Flaws and Verification Hurdles

• New NSFAS portal: Registration/login issues, lost banking details needing re-verification.
• Late registrations: Many finalized late January, delaying processing.
• High volume: DUT handles thousands; staff shortages amplify delays.
• Past fraud: SIU probes led to tighter verification, slowing payouts.
• Incomplete docs: Parental consent, income proof outstanding for some.

Recurring since 2024, despite NSFAS digitization efforts.

Broader NSFAS Challenges Across South African Universities

DUT isn't alone: Protests at Wits (debt blocks), UCT/NMU (NSFAS/registration). NSFAS funded 1M+ students 2025; 2026 targets similar amid R47b budget. Chronic delays erode trust, fuel #FeesMustFall echoes. For jobs post-grad, explore higher ed jobs or university jobs.

Stats: 893k first-year apps (609k approved); 546k continuing (417k progressed).

Stakeholder Perspectives: From Students to Government

Students/SRC: Demand direct bank transfers, no proxies; end hunger-induced dropouts.

DUT Mgmt: Transparent but overwhelmed; urges updated details.

NSFAS/DHET: Funds released; appeals via portal. Minister Manamela faces calls for intervention.

Politicos: DA urges probe; EFF blames neoliberal policies.

Balanced view: System needs overhaul for equity.

Proposed Solutions and Short-Term Fixes

• Update banking details immediately via NSFAS portal.
• Appeal rejections within 30 days with docs.
• DUT/NSFAS: Direct student payments, advance funding.
• Long-term: Fraud-proof systems, more staff, predictive analytics.

External: NSFAS updates.

Photo by Jolame Chirwa on Unsplash

Actionable Advice for DUT and NSFAS Students

1. Log into myNSFAS portal daily for status.
2. Verify/resubmit banking docs.
3. Contact DUT Financial Aid (expect 72h response).
4. Seek interim aid: campus food banks, SRC funds.
5. Document issues for appeals/complaints.
6. Explore part-time jobs in SA or career advice.

Future Outlook: Reforms on Horizon?

With 2026 apps closed, focus shifts to execution. Potential: NSFAS 2.0 with blockchain verification. But without urgency, more protests loom. Students resilient; solutions vital for SA's 30% youth unemployment fight. For prof ratings aiding choices, visit Rate My Professor; jobs at Higher Ed Jobs, advice at Career Advice.