Minister of Higher Education and Training, Nobuhle Nkabane, has extended Freeman Nomvalo’s term as the administrator of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) until March 2025. This extension was confirmed in a government notice issued earlier this week.
NSFAS comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. The funding includes tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Nomvalo was initially appointed as NSFAS administrator in April 2024 by former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, following the dissolution of the NSFAS board due to the scheme’s failure to pay student allowances. While his initial term was set for two years, Minister Nkabane announced in August 2024 that his administration would end by 31 December 2024 or upon the appointment of a new NSFAS board.
The latest decision reverses this earlier announcement, extending Nomvalo’s tenure until March 2025. During this time, the Minister plans to finalize the appointment of a new NSFAS board with the necessary skills and expertise to ensure effective governance.
During this period, the Minister shall take all necessary steps to appoint a new Board that appropriately reflects the diversity of skills and experience required for the effective governance and management of NSFAS.
The administrator’s role will terminate once the new board is in place. However, as per a separate agreement, Nomvalo may assist with the transition process to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
Upon the appointment of the new Board, the administrator’s role will terminate, and the administrator will assist with transitional processes, if necessary, for a defined period as stipulated in a separate agreement, to ensure a smooth transfer of governance.
