Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobhle Nkabane, has confirmed the appointment of a new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board, chaired by Dr Karen Stander.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving students enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. While NSFAS performs a critical role in ensuring students can access higher education, the scheme grapples with persistent challenges.
Funding issues and administrative inefficiencies frequently result in delayed allowance disbursements, leaving students frustrated. Concerns about corruption and mismanagement have further eroded public trust.
These challenges contributed to former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande’s decision to dissolve the NSFAS board. The scheme was subsequently placed under administration, led by Freeman Nomvalo.
READ MORE: WHY THE NSFAS BOARD WAS DISSOLVED
While the administration was initially expected to last up to two years, Minister Nkabane announced in August 2024 that it would conclude earlier. Following a call for applications last year, she has now appointed a new board.
Nkabane described the board appointments as a commitment to ensuring NSFAS is led by highly qualified individuals with the expertise to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
According to the Minister, qualification standards for board appointments were significantly raised to attract top talent.
By selecting individuals with proven expertise and experience, NSFAS aims to operate with integrity, prioritise student needs, and fulfil its mandate effectively. The new board’s appointment is seen as a step towards governance reforms, reinforcing accountability within state-funded institutions.
These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening NSFAS as an institution that upholds integrity, accountability, and efficiency in delivering financial aid to deserving students.
NSFAS Board Members The Minister announced the following NSFAS Board members:
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Dr Karen Stander (Board Chairperson)
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Ms Ndileka Portia Loyilane
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Adv. Richardt Tlou Ramashia
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Adv. Lavandran Nanda Gopaul
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Ms Philisiwe Sibiya
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Ms Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson
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Ms Prashika Mahesh
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Dr Siyanda Mngadi
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Ms Karabo Mohale
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Dr Johanna Maphutha
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Dr Mugwena Maluleke
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Dr Marcia Socikwa
NSFAS Board Chairperson Honoured to Serve New NSFAS Board Chairperson, Dr Stander, expressed her deep honour and commitment to leading an institution dedicated to funding South African students in need.
She highlighted the role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, quoting Proverbs 4:7 to emphasise the value of wisdom and understanding. However, she acknowledged ongoing challenges in higher education and stressed the need for NSFAS to be prepared to support students.
Too many students are being turned away from higher education, not only due to financial constraints but also because of capacity limitations.
Stander emphasised that financial barriers should not prevent students from accessing education and called for a forward-thinking approach to ensure a sustainable and inclusive funding model.
As the President, Ministers, DHET, Vice-Chancellors, USAF, and SAPCO work towards solutions to expand university and TVET College capacity, it is the role of NSFAS to ensure that we are ready to fund and support these students.
She reaffirmed her commitment to working with Minister Nkabane and fellow board members to expand access to education in South Africa.
