Newly appointed Deputy Minister of Higher Education Yusuf Cassim spoke about facing racist and anti-Muslim abuse since his appointment earlier this month. He addressed the issues at a National Press Club event on Thursday.
Cassim, aged 36 and from Kariega in Nelson Mandela Bay, described the online attacks as bizarre expressions of racial prejudice and questions about his nationality. He said the comments reminded him that building a united South Africa remains incomplete work.
The deputy minister grew up in the Rosedale neighbourhood and was among the first learners integrated into former Model C schools. He later studied accounting at Nelson Mandela University, helped found the Democratic Alliance Student Organisation, and served as SRC president in 2011.
Cassim said his new role will focus on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme and Sector Education and Training Authorities. He initially declined the position but accepted it to refocus on higher education access for students.
