Student debt remains a significant challenge across the post-school education sector, often preventing graduates from accessing their academic records and certificates. This, in turn, limits their ability to pursue employment opportunities and establish financial stability. Consequently, outstanding debt can create a cycle in which graduates are denied access to the very opportunities that could enable them to secure employment, improve their financial circumstances, and ultimately settle their outstanding obligations.

CUT has welcomed R13.9 million in historical debt funding from the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority (BANKSETA), supporting 253 graduates whose qualifications had remained out of reach due to outstanding historical debt. This intervention is about far more than numbers. It is about changing lives, one student at a time, renewing hope and giving graduates access to the futures they envisioned when they first enrolled at university. The funding supported graduates in Information Technology, Accounting, Internal Auditing and the Advanced Diploma in Applied Management, enabling them to access their qualifications and pursue employment and professional opportunities.

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Samson Mashele, described the funding as an investment in the graduates, their families and their future contribution to the economy. “Behind every outstanding balance is a student who has worked hard to complete their studies. There is a family that has made sacrifices. There is a young professional ready to enter the world of work,” said Prof. Mashele. He expressed the university’s gratitude to BANKSETA for the intervention, which has opened a new chapter for graduates who had fulfilled all their academic requirements but were unable to progress due to outstanding financial obligations. “The funding will provide our graduates with an opportunity to move forward, enter the workforce and begin contributing to their families, communities and the broader economy,” he added.

Dr Lefaso Motsoeneng, Senior Manager: Human Resources at BANKSETA, highlighted the importance of removing financial barriers that can prevent students from completing their academic journeys. “Historical debt funding provides critical financial support, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of deserving students. Through strategic partnerships, we can tackle these challenges, expand access and help shape a more inclusive future,” he said.

Dr Motsoeneng reaffirmed BANKSETA’s commitment to supporting deserving young people by creating opportunities that enable them to overcome financial obstacles, step confidently into the professional life and build a brighter future.

Through strategic partnerships such as this, CUT continues to work with key stakeholders to remove financial barriers that stand between graduates and their futures, turning academic achievement into meaningful opportunities and empowering them to build sustainable careers.

Skejana Philasande, one of the beneficiaries and a 2017 graduate of the National Diploma in IT Software Development, said the support has opened the door to a career aligned with her qualifications. “Obtaining my qualification in 2017 was a proud moment for me and my family. However, for years, I was employed based on my Grade 12 certificate rather than my university qualification. It was painful knowing that my qualification was being withheld because of my outstanding debt. The BANKSETA funding has given me renewed hope and the opportunity to pursue a career aligned with my studies. What may seem like financial support is, for me, a chance to build the future I have always worked towards. I am deeply grateful.”

Refiloe Maduna, who completed her National Diploma in IT Software Development in 2026, said being defunded by NSFAS left her uncertain and deeply worried about her future.

“I prayed for this breakthrough for a long time, and at one point I had almost given up. Then one day, while checking my ITS account, I discovered that BANKSETA had paid my outstanding fees. The relief and gratitude I felt in that moment are difficult to put into words. BANKSETA paid an amount that I simply did not know how I was going to afford on my own. I am sincerely grateful to BANKSETA and CUT for this life-changing opportunity. I hope this support continues to open doors for many other students like me and graduates who find themselves in need of a helping hand.”