Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane has confirmed the appointment of a new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board, chaired by Dr. Karen Stander.
NSFAS provides bursaries and loans covering tuition, registration, and living expenses for students 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 challenges and administrative inefficiencies often lead to delayed allowance disbursements and frustrated students. Concerns about corruption and mismanagement further erode public trust.
These are just some of the decisions that led former Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande to fire the NSFAS board. The scheme was then placed under administration, led by Freeman Nomvalo.
READ MORE: WHY THE NSFAS BOARD WAS DISSOLVED
While initially expected to last up to two years, Minister Nkabane announced in August 2024 that the administration would end sooner. After 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 improve efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
According to the Minister, qualification standards for board appointments were raised significantly to attract top talent.
By selecting individuals with proven expertise and experience, NSFAS will operate with integrity, prioritise student needs, and effectively deliver on its mandate.
The new board’s appointment was framed as a step toward governance reforms within NSFAS, reinforcing accountability in state-funded institutions. Nkabane explains, "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:
- Dr Karen Stander (Board Chairperson)
- Ms Ndileka Portia Loyilane
- Adv. Richardt Tlou Ramashia
- Adv. Lavandran Nanda Gopaul
- Ms. Philisiwe Sibiya
- Ms. Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson
- Ms. Prashika Mahesh
- Dr Siyanda Mngadi
- Ms. Karabo Mohale
- Dr Johanna Maphutha
- Dr Mugwena Maluleke
- 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 education’s role 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 because of financial constraints but also due to capacity limitations.
Stander underscored 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 other board members to expand access to education in South Africa.
