The Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, has decided not to create an advisory council to assist with specific tasks related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is unlikely to consider establishing an advisory council, as such a structure is not provided for under the NSFAS Act and could potentially duplicate the responsibilities already assigned to the NSFAS board.
The Minister made this decision in response to parliamentary questions from Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Letta Mathlodi Maseko, who had asked whether the Minister would consider establishing permanent oversight to regularly review NSFAS operations and ensure alignment with its mandate to support students.
Annually, NSFAS receives more than R50 Billion rand from National Treasury to support students achieve their academic goals. They do this by providing comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges.
Due to challenges related to student funding, former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board and placed the organisation under administration in April 2024, appointing Freeman Nomvalo as the new NSFAS Administrator.
Although the administration term was initially set for 12 months, with the option for a 12-month extension based on progress in addressing NSFAS challenges, a new NSFAS board is now expected to be appointed.
In August, Minister Nkabane amended the terms of reference for NSFAS administration, signalling that the organisation could be taken out of administration earlier than anticipated. This announcement invited public applications for board positions.
Minister Nkabane is focused on expediting the appointment of a new NSFAS board, which will consist of members holding at least a master’s degree.
The department primarily relies on the board to review NSFAS operations regularly and ensure that the organisation aligns with its mandate to serve students. Nkabane explained that the NSFAS board advises her on matters related to student financial aid and is responsible for overseeing the institution’s operations.
The board is authorised to appoint professionals to “manage and administer the affairs of NSFAS under the authority of the board” and may establish committees to provide advice on operational matters.
Nkabane indicated that the new NSFAS board is expected to be appointed between December 2024 and January 2025.
The Minister issued a call for board member nominations in a government gazette dated August 13, 2024, followed by a subsequent advertisement on September 1, 2024. According to Minister Nkabane, NSFAS board 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, or higher education.
Only individuals with the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and experience will be considered for board appointments. Candidates with the requisite background will be shortlisted according to the categories outlined in Section 5 of the NSFAS Act.
Once appointed, board members will receive induction materials and administrative support to help them fulfil their oversight roles effectively.
Their performance will be evaluated through quarterly and annual reports, financial statements, and other criteria set by the Minister. Nkabane expects NSFAS Administrator Freeman Nomvalo to submit a handover report to the new board to ensure a smooth transition.
