Cape Town – The Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, has withdrawn the draft regulations published in the Government Gazette on 13 August 2025, which proposed that educational institutions list student credit information under the National Credit Act amendment regulations.
The decision comes as a relief for students, following an overwhelming public response. The department received more than 20,000 submissions opposing the amendment, well before the 12 September deadline.
“The vast majority of the responses was opposed to the proposed regulations.
“This process has once more demonstrated the robust nature of South Africa’s democracy where the public is able to engage with government in an open and transparent manner.
Minister Tau withdraws the National Credit Act amendment regulations pic.twitter.com/DFF9QsCYzr
— the dtic (@the_dtic) September 11, 2025
“Minister Tau has committed to undertaking a process which will consider the changes that are required to enhance the protection of students, while continuing with efforts aimed at improving access to finance for MSME’s in order to plug the credit funding gap that currently exists,” said Ministerial Spokesperson, Kaamil Alli.
The Petition Rejecting Draft Regulation Affecting Student Debt celebrated the withdrawal of the Draft National Credit Act Amendment Regulations.
Today, we celebrate a hard-won victory.
Minister @TauParks has withdrawn the Draft NCA Amendment Regulations. The proposal is gone because we, the people, said NO, and we did not back down!
To everyone who signed the petition, shared it with friends and family, and used it to… https://t.co/SSumxf1Qlw pic.twitter.com/Ia78T95ZO2
— Sabelo Chalufu (@SabeloChalufu) September 11, 2025
“These regulations would have entrenched unemployment, deepened hardship, and compromised the futures of millions of fellow South Africans, in particular students, by subjecting them to unjust blacklisting and credit bureau reporting.
“The Minister’s proposal is gone because we, the people, said NO, and we did not back down!
“Almost 200,000 South Africans signed our petition rejecting the proposal. Students, parents, graduates, workers, and other citizens stood together and declared: Protect students from harm! We spoke with one voice, and we forced government to listen.
“This is proof, once again, that when we stand together, fighting for a just cause, we are powerful beyond measure and can achieve great things”, said Sabelo Chalufu.
The petitioners stated that, despite the withdrawal, they will continue advocating for a socio-economically transformative student financial model, which also supports micro, small, and medium enterprises.
They added that they look forward to engaging with the Minister and other stakeholders in pursuit of this goal.
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Compiled by Anda Tolibadi
