Higher Education Dept in final stages of appointing new NSFAS board - Nkabane
The previous board was dissolved in April due to delays in disbursing student allowances and allegations of corruption among board members.
Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Picture: @GovernmentZA/X
JOHANNESBURG - Higher Education Minister Doctor Nobuhle Nkabane said that the department was in the final stages of appointing a new board for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The previous board was dissolved in April due to delays in disbursing student allowances and allegations of corruption among board members.
An investigation by Werkmans Attorneys also found that a multi-million rand tender awarded to a service provider was granted irregularly.
Nkabane on Monday provided an update on the recruitment of a new board during a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday.
The NSFAS board is made up of 18 members, 13 of which are appointed by the Higher Education minister and the remaining five are appointed by board members and the CEO.
Minister Nkabane said that the application period for board positions had ended, and the focus was now on selecting the most qualified candidates.
"We want people who are going to bring skills and value to that institution and we have upped the bar."
She said that only applicants with a master’s degree and experience in finance, law, engineering, or governance would be considered for positions on the NSFAS board.
Nkabane previously told Parliament that the financial aid scheme should have a new board by the end of October.