Manamela dissolves NSFAS board, appoints Professor Mathebula as administrator

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has officially placed the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration following persistent governance failures and financial concerns.

In a move intended to stabilise the embattled institution, Manamela announced this afternoon that the NSFAS board has been dissolved, despite having been in office for just over a year.

Professor Hlengani Mathebula has been appointed as the Administrator.

He will temporarily oversee the organisation’s operations and strategic direction until a new board is officially constituted.

The decision follows a series of high-profile departures within the scheme’s leadership. In November last year, board chairperson Dr Karen Stander resigned, describing the environment as highly toxic.

Dr Mugwena Maluleke was subsequently appointed as acting chairperson, but he also submitted his resignation earlier this month. Another board member has since departed, with all three citing poor governance and a toxic work environment as their reasons for stepping down.

Minister Manamela stated that the leadership vacuum and internal friction necessitated a drastic intervention to protect the interests of students and the integrity of the institution.

ALSO READ: NSFAS placed under administration

Higher Education Minister announces NSFAS board resignations

"I was not satisfied that the ordinary governance arrangements were capable of adequately stabilising the institution within the urgency and seriousness of the challenges confronting NSFAS," Manamela said.

The minister emphasised that this transition presents a vital opportunity to rebuild the leadership of NSFAS from the ground up.

Despite the structural overhaul, the ministry has assured the public that student welfare remains the priority.

Manamela confirmed that the disbursement of allowances will continue as normal and should not be disrupted by the administrative changes.