{
  "id": 12129360,
  "title": "Cassim warns Sata funding could be at risk over bursary delays",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/05/cassim-warns-sata-funding-could-be-at-risk-over-bursary-delays",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-05T10:36:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/education/cassim-warns-sata-funding-could-be-at-risk-over-bursary-delays/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim has expressed concern over potential risks to Seta funding due to administrative failures in processing student bursaries. At Ekurhuleni East TVET College, 162 students are awaiting outstanding bursary benefits. Cassim, during an oversight visit, called for proper management of bursaries to prevent Setas and other funders from withdrawing support. The Seta allocated R15.6 million in bursaries for 200 students at the college, but only 162 students were identified as qualifying. Of these, 145 students had their tuition fees processed in September, while 17 students are still being processed and the remaining 33 applicants were disqualified or failed to submit required documents. The college reported paying R1.98 million in outstanding allowances to 132 students in September, but 30 students remain unprocessed due to banking or documentation issues. While textbooks and laptops have been provided to bursary recipients, only 145 students have received their laptops, with delivery to the remaining students expected by mid-October. Cassim urged the department to address administrative issues across the system to ensure students receive their funding and qualifications in a timely manner.",
  "summary": "Services Seta allocated bursaries worth R15.6 million for 200 students at EEC, with 195 students applying for funding.",
  "key_points": [
    "Deputy Minister Yusuf Cassim warns Seta funding may be at risk due to bursary delays.",
    "162 students at Ekurhuleni East TVET College await outstanding bursary benefits.",
    "Cassim calls for proper management to prevent Seta and other funders from withdrawing support."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}