Over 93,000 University of South Africa students experienced delays in receiving their National Student Financial Aid Scheme Personal Care Allowance, prompting Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training Yusuf Cassim to intervene. Cassim met with Unisa management, student leaders, and NSFAS representatives after receiving complaints regarding delayed July allowance payments and reduced data allowances for distance learners. It was confirmed that NSFAS transferred funds to Unisa on July 2, 2026, but a system glitch at the university delayed payments. Unisa stated the technical issue was resolved on July 6, and outstanding payments are being processed. Cassim highlighted the inadequacy of the R316 monthly allowance and announced he would request a comprehensive briefing from NSFAS administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula to review payment schedules. He noted that the NSFAS payment schedule, which transfers funds about a week into each month, needs review. NSFAS will send its finance department to Unisa to reconcile funds. Cassim also urged the Unisa Council to reconsider discontinuing the monthly data allowance and addressed allegations that some students received less than the full R316 allowance, which Unisa denied. He emphasized the importance of the Deputy Minister鈥檚 Help Desk for student grievances.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the central role of education in achieving sustainable development during his three-day working visit to France. He participated in high-level diplomatic engagements with French President Emmanuel Macron and co-chaired a meeting of the UNESCO High-Level Steering Committee on Sustainable Development Goal 4 Quality Education at the invitation of UNESCO director-general Khaled El-Enany. Ramaphosa stated that education is the "bedrock and the enabler of the other Sustainable Development Goals," especially given global challenges like conflict, pandemics, poverty, inequality, and climate change. He outlined three key pillars for action: foundational and lifelong learning, strengthening the teaching profession, and inclusive digital transformation. The President highlighted the importance of strong literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills, and stressed that teachers need to be capacitated and supported. He also noted that digital transformation is essential for preparing learners for future workplaces. Ramaphosa reminded delegates that education is a universal human right and a public good that requires proper financing, referencing innovations like debt-for-education swaps. He also warned against mismanagement and corruption, urging support for initiatives to strengthen public financial management. Looking beyond 2030, Ramaphosa mentioned that young people are demanding greater access, mental health support, flexible learning, and a role
The Democratic Alliance DA in Tshwane is challenging the disciplinary action taken against deputy mayor and MMC for finance Eugene Modise, calling it a "slap on the wrist." Modise was fined two months' salary after a forensic report found he breached the councillor's code of conduct by benefiting from a security company, Triotic Protection Services, contracted to the city. DA mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink has approached the courts, arguing that the penalty is irrational and undermines constitutional accountability. Brink stated that the DA is asking the court to refer the issue back to the Tshwane council for a proper decision and will argue for a penalty commensurate with the breach. He warned that a lenient punishment could encourage other politicians to engage in similar conduct. Modise, however, told forensic investigators that he sold his shares in Triotic to an employee via an installment sale agreement and resigned from the company upon becoming a councillor, a claim he says was verified by investigators. He also stated that his only involvement was purchasing property for Triotic in 2010 and that there was no financial benefit to him from that transaction. The Freedom Front Plus FF+ Tshwane caucus leader, Grandi Theunissen, has also requested intervention from the Gauteng MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs and infrastructure development, believing the punitive action does not meet municipal legislation requirements.
Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler has been suspended following a council vote on a complaint lodged by the EFF. The suspension occurred after a closed vote during a council meeting on Thursday, July 9, 2026. City of Tshwane Mayor Dr. Nasiphi Moya stated that the Council considered Mettler's representations before resolving to place him on precautionary suspension with full pay, pending an independent investigation. Mettler is expected to challenge his suspension in court. DA Tshwane mayoral candidate Cilliers Brink condemned the suspension, calling it an action by a "coalition of corruption" and claiming the report was baseless. Brink also alleged that the council Speaker arbitrarily deducted 13 votes from those opposing an amendment, citing that the councillors were on leave, and stated there is no legal basis to deny a democratically elected councillor their right to vote. Meanwhile, suspended Chief Financial Officer Gareth Mnisi will face disciplinary proceedings after the Council considered a final forensic investigation report into misconduct allegations. Mayor Moya assured residents that the city's administration remains stable and focused on service delivery, financial stability, infrastructure investment, and improving quality of life.