DASO Nelson Mandela University

For Immediate Release
14 July 2026
RE: WE WELCOME THE PROGRESS ON THE NSFAS GAP INVESTIGATION, THE FIGHT CONTINUES.

We are pleased to announce that following our intervention through the Office of the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Financial Aid has now responded to students affected by the NSFAS Gap Investigation.

This is a significant breakthrough after months of uncertainty, frustration and countless engagements on behalf of affected students. Many students have finally received positive outcomes bringing much needed relief after going without funding for several months. We welcome this progress and thank every student who trusted us throughout this difficult process.

However, our work is far from over.

We are deeply concerned about students whose funding applications were rejected. We firmly believe that every qualifying student deserves a fair opportunity to have their case properly considered. We have therefore written again to both the Office of the Deputy Minister and the Financial Aid Office, requesting urgent intervention to allow these students an opportunity to appeal their outcomes. Many students strongly believe that errors may have been made during the investigation process, and these concerns cannot simply be ignored.

We will communicate further updates as soon as we receive a response from the Deputy Minister’s office and Financial Aid.

Allowances Update:

Students whose funding has now been approved are requested to submit their details using the link provided below. This will assist us in engaging Financial Aid to speed up the processing of your allowances and ensure that all outstanding payments from previous months are paid without unnecessary delays.

Link: https://forms.gle/UTNHUeKZrvudSYFcA

While we celebrate every student whose funding has been restored, we will not abandon those who are rejected.DASO will continue fighting until every qualifying student receives the funding they deserve.




Yours in struggle,
DASO Nelson Mandela university

For Immediate Release
13 July 2026
RE: UPDATE ON THE NSFAS GAP INVESTIGATION

Fellow students,

We would like to provide an update on the ongoing NSFAS Gap Investigation crisis affecting thousands of students who have gone without funding for the past three months.

Following our formal request for intervention the Deputy Minister of Higher Education has responded to our correspondence and confirmed that he will be meeting with the NSFAS Administrator tomorrow to discuss this matter.

While this is an important step, our position remains clear, students have waited long enough. Many are struggling to meet their academic basic needs and are being evicted because of delays that are completely beyond their control. We will continue to push for an urgent resolution until every affected student receives their funding.

We also urge every student affected by the Gap Investigation to submit their details on the link provided below and join the NSFAS Gap Investigation WhatsApp group. This will help us keep an accurate record of affected students and ensure that everyone receives verified updates as developments unfold.

NSFAS Gap Investigation link: https://forms.gle/gh5vjyxnvUcGPC2NA

Join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KyRLUHIDaxI0RFnurMc19O?s=cl&p=a&ilr=0

No student will be left behind. We will continue fighting until every affected student funding is restored.




Issued by:
DASO Nelson Mandela University

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 July 2026
RE: DASO Leadership Training

The past three days have reminded us why we chose to lead. We successfully concluded our 3 day training, where we equipped our student leaders with the skills and capacity to continue to fight for the interests of every student.

We came together for leadership training not to prepare for positions, but to prepare ourselves to serve students better. We had honest conversations about the challenges students face every day and how we must respond.

We leave this training more united and more determined to continue to stand up for our students. As we return to our respective campuses, we do so with renewed energy and a clear mandate.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Democratic Alliance leadership for investing in the growth of our student leaders and sharing invaluable knowledge and experience.

Statement on Shuttles to follow….



Yours in Leadership
DASO Nelson Mandela University

For Immediate release
10July 2026

RE: National Day of Action Against Crime

The Democratic Alliance Student Organisation at Nelson Mandela University proudly joined the Democratic Alliance’s National Day of Action Against Crime in Nelson Mandela Bay to send a clear and uncompromising message: Enough is Enough.

Crime has robbed students of their freedom, their dignity and far too often their lives. Every year, students across Nelson Mandela Bay are mugged, assaulted, r***d and murdered while simply trying to obtain an education. Instead of focusing on their studies and building their futures, many are forced to live in constant fear of becoming the next victim.

Today’s march was not only a demand for urgent action against crime, but also a moment of solidarity with every student, family and friend whose lives have been shattered by criminal violence. We honour the memories of those we have lost and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that no more lives are stolen by lawlessness.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to every student who joined us today. Your courage and willingness to stand up against crime demonstrate that young people refuse to be silenced by fear. Together, we have shown that students are ready to be part of the solution and will continue to demand accountability from those entrusted with keeping our communities safe.



Yours in Solidarity
DASO NMU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
09 July 2026
RE: Engagement Session Outcomes with the DA Leadership

Dear Madibaz,

DASO is pleased to announce that our recent Engagement Session with the Provincial and National leadership of the Democratic Alliance was a resounding success.

This important gathering provided a vital platform for students from across NMU campuses to directly engage with DA leaders. Students openly voiced their frustrations, concerns, and aspirations regarding issues affecting higher education, youth development, and the future of our nation.

The leadership listened attentively and responded with clarity, providing concrete answers and insights that addressed the key challenges raised.

We commend both the students for their active participation and the DA leadership for their willingness to engage constructively. This session demonstrated DASO’s commitment to meaningful dialogue and the DA’s dedication to addressing the real issues faced by South African students.

DASO remains resolute in its mission to champion student interests, promote accountability, and build a better future for all young South Africans. We look forward to continued collaboration with the DA leadership as we work together towards practical solutions.

Issued by,
DASO NMU BEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
09 July 2026
RE: DASO Engagement Session with the DA Leadership

Dear Madibaz,

DASO NMU cordially invites all students to an important Engagement Session with DA National and Provincial Leadership.

This is your opportunity to engage directly with the people shaping our future. Ask questions, share your views, and be part of real conversations that deliver real solutions and real change for our campuses and our country.

The engagement session will take place today evening from 18:00 and students needing transportation to attend kindly contact the following contacts: 067 078 6858.

All students are warmly invited! Come and be part of the change.




Yours In Leadership,
DASO NMU BEC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
07 July 2026
RE: Update on NSFAS Gap Investigation and Ongoing Student Funding Crisis

Dear Students,

For the past three months, thousands of affected students have endured severe financial hardship following the suspension of their NSFAS allowances due to the ongoing Gap Investigation process. During this entire period, there has been a concerning lack of clear and consistent communication from the university to those impacted.

DASO has been actively communicating with university management on this matter, consistently raising the plight of affected students and demanding urgent intervention, transparency, and accountability.

We recently sent a further communication to management highlighting the unacceptable silence and the devastating impact this delay is having on students’ ability to return from recess, secure accommodation, food, transport, and continue their studies without interruption.

In response, the Dean has confirmed that the Financial Aid office has been tasked with preparing a draft circular that will provide students with an update on this matter. While we welcome this step as a positive development, we will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure that the circular is issued promptly and contains concrete information, including:

1. A comprehensive update on the current status of the NSFAS Gap Investigation.
Details of engagements between the university and NSFAS over the past three months.

2. A realistic timeline for the conclusion of the investigation and reinstatement of funding.

3. Consideration of interim support measures for students facing acute hardship.

We reiterate that students cannot be expected to focus on their academic responsibilities while living under constant financial distress caused by administrative delays beyond their control.

The university has a duty of care, and education must not become a privilege available only to those who can survive without support.

DASO remains committed to advocating for all affected students. We will not hesitate to intensify our efforts if meaningful progress and communication are not forthcoming in the coming days.

In Solidarity,
DASO NMU BEC