Minister of Higher Education and Training Nobuhle Nkabane has extended the term of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) administrator Freeman Nomvalo. This was revealed in a government notice earlier this week.
NSFAS comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. The funding includes tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation, and learning materials.
Nomvalo was appointed NSFAS administrator in April 2024 by former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande following the dissolution of the NSFAS board. At the time, Nzimande placed NSFAS under administration after it failed to pay student allowances.
While Nomvalo was initially set to serve as the scheme's administrator for two years, Newly Appointed Higher Education Minister Nkabane announced that the administration period would be cut short.
In August, Minister Nkabane published a notice that Novmalo’s time as administrator would conclude either on 31 December 2024 or upon the appointment of a new NSFAS Board.
However, the latest announcement from the Minister now backtracks on this and will see Nomvalo continue in his role until the end of March 2025.
During this period, the Minister shall take all necessary steps to appoint a new Board that appropriately reflects the diversity of skills and experience required for the effective governance and management of NSFAS.
The notice also indicates that once the new Board is appointed, the administrator's role will cease. However, as outlined in a separate agreement, the administrator may be required to assist with a smooth transition for a specified period.
"Upon the appointment of the new Board, the administrator’s role will terminate, and the administrator will assist with transitional processes, if necessary, for a defined period as stipulated in a separate agreement, to ensure a smooth transfer of governance."
