Minister Nobuhle Nkabane says she will ensure NSFAS mandate fulfilled by new board

Minister Nobuhle Nkabane says she will ensure NSFAS mandate fulfilled by new board! Minister of Higher Education Nobuhle Nkabane has vowed to ensure the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) fulfills its mandate through its newly elected board.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, the minister introduced the new NSFAS board, with Dr. Karen Strander, a senior business management lecturer at the University of South Africa (UNISA), appointed as the board chair. The appointments come at a crucial time for NSFAS, following its recent challenges and efforts to restore public confidence.

New Leadership for NSFAS

Dr. Karen Strander brings extensive experience in business management and higher education, which the ministry believes will help steer NSFAS in the right direction. Her leadership is expected to guide NSFAS through its next phase of growth and reform.

Minister Nkabane emphasized that the new appointments mark a turning point for NSFAS, which has been plagued by issues such as mismanagement, irregular expenditure, and delayed disbursements of financial aid in the past.

“These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening NSFAS as an institution that upholds integrity,” said Camagwini Mavovana, spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education.

The new board members were selected with a strong emphasis on integrity, governance, and financial management expertise. The goal is to build a more transparent and accountable institution that fulfills its primary mission: making higher education more accessible to South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Challenges Faced by NSFAS

The previous NSFAS board was dissolved in 2024 after the organization was placed under administration. This decision was made amid growing public scrutiny and student protests over financial aid delays and alleged corruption within the institution.

Reports of unauthorized spending, inefficiencies in handling student applications, and a lack of adequate oversight had tarnished NSFAS’s reputation. Additionally, complaints about poor communication with students and institutions added to the public outcry.

Minister Nkabane and her team have since taken steps to stabilize NSFAS and improve its operational efficiency. The appointment of the new board is seen as a critical component of those reforms.

Commitment to Accessibility and Accountability

The Higher Education Ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that NSFAS continues to play its role in providing financial aid to students who need it most. Minister Nkabane emphasized the government’s dedication to creating a higher education system that is inclusive and equitable.

“The minister remains committed to ensuring that NSFAS fulfills its mandate of making higher education more accessible to South Africans,” Mavovana stated.

This renewed commitment comes at a time when demand for financial aid is at an all-time high. With the rising costs of tuition, accommodation, and other educational expenses, many South African students rely on NSFAS to pursue their academic goals.

The Road Ahead for NSFAS

One of the key priorities for the new board will be to implement stronger governance and financial oversight mechanisms. This includes ensuring that funds are disbursed in a timely and transparent manner and that all decisions are made in accordance with NSFAS’s policies and regulations.

Another focus area will be improving communication and engagement with students, universities, and other stakeholders. NSFAS has faced criticism in the past for a lack of transparency regarding application outcomes and delays in disbursements. Addressing these issues will be essential for rebuilding trust.

The ministry also plans to conduct regular performance reviews of the new board to ensure that NSFAS remains accountable and aligned with its mandate.

Student Reaction and Expectations

Student organizations have cautiously welcomed the appointment of the new board but have called for tangible improvements in service delivery. Many have urged the new leadership to prioritize the timely disbursement of funds, improved customer service, and enhanced transparency.

“Students are tired of the delays and uncertainty that have plagued NSFAS for years. We hope the new board brings real change and ensures that no student is left behind due to financial constraints,” said a student representative from the South African Union of Students (SAUS).

Conclusion

The appointment of Dr. Karen Strander and the new NSFAS board marks a new chapter for the institution. With a renewed focus on integrity, accountability, and student-centered service, the board has a critical opportunity to transform NSFAS into a reliable and transparent financial aid provider. As the board takes on this challenge, all eyes will be on its actions to ensure that the vision of accessible higher education becomes a reality for every deserving student in South Africa.