Portfolio Committee Chairperson Teboho Letsie welcomed the appointment, highlighting the professional and academic qualifications of the new board members.
We are pleased that NSFAS will now be led by individuals with the necessary expertise to navigate the financial and administrative complexities of the scheme
The board will be tasked with addressing long-standing issues, including fund mismanagement and delays in allowance payments, which contributed to the dissolution of the previous board.
This is a critical step towards restoring stability and ensuring that NSFAS fulfils its mandate of supporting students in their pursuit of higher education
Board to Overhaul NSFAS Leadership
To bring stability, the Portfolio Committee emphasised the need for the board to appoint competent managers and staff. This includes recruiting a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO).
We trust that the new board will prioritise the needs of students and ensure that NSFAS becomes a beacon of hope rather than a source of academic disruptions.
Student Union Rejects Appointment, Citing Legal Concerns
The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has strongly opposed the appointment, arguing that it violates the NSFAS Act of 1999, which requires student representation on the board.
SAUS condemned the move as unlawful and demanded full transparency regarding the selection process.
"The Minister’s unlawful actions reek of cronyism and a contemptuous disregard for student governance. SAUS demands immediate accountability: we demand transparency regarding the composition of this illegitimate Board and the exposure of those complicit in its undemocratic formation."
