Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has confirmed that a new board will be appointed for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) between December 2024 and January 2025.
The decision to appoint a new board comes after a period of administrative oversight following several challenges faced by NSFAS. Former Minister Blade Nzimande dissolved the previous board in April 2024 and appointed Freeman Nomvalo as administrator.
The department is unlikely to consider establishing an advisory council to fulfil these roles, as such an arrangement is not provided for by the NSFAS Act and could potentially duplicate the responsibilities already assigned to the NSFAS board.
Requirements for NSFAS Board Members
To ensure effective oversight, the Minister has outlined specific qualifications for potential board members. Candidates must hold at least a master's degree and have proven experience in fields such as:
- Finance
- Law
- Ethics
- Economics
- Science
- Public Administration
- Governance
- Engineering
- Higher Education
"Candidates with the requisite experience and qualifications will be shortlisted according to the categories outlined in Section 5 of the NSFAS Act."
The NSFAS board plays a crucial role in advising the Minister on matters related to student financial aid. It is responsible for overseeing the institution's operations and may appoint professionals to manage and administer its affairs.
In any case, the department relies primarily on the board to regularly review operations and ensure that NSFAS aligns with its mandate to serve students.
With the appointment of a new board, NSFAS aims to strengthen its operations and continue providing essential financial support to deserving students. The Minister expects a smooth transition from the administrative period to the new board's leadership.
Their performance will be evaluated through quarterly reports, annual reports, and financial statements, as well as other parameters set by the minister.
