The Higher Education Minister, Nobuhle Nkabane, has decided not to create an advisory council to assist with specific tasks related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The department is unlikely to consider establishing an advisory council to fulfil these roles, as such an arrangement is not provided for by the NSFAS Act and could potentially duplicate the responsibilities already assigned to the NSFAS board.
The Minister was responding in writing to parliamentary questions from Democratic Alliance (DA) MP, Letta Mathlodi Maseko asking whether she will consider establishing a permanent oversight to regularly review operations of NSFAS and ensure alignment with its mandate to support students.
Annually, NSFAS receives more than R50 Billion rand from National Treasury to support students achieve their academic goals. They do this by providing comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges.
Following several challenges related to student funding, Former Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande dissolved the NSFAS board and placed the government bursary scheme under administration in April 2024. Freeman Nomvalo was then appointed as the new NSFAS Administrator.
While the administration term was set for a period of 12 months, and subject to renewal for another 12 months depending on progress in resolving challenges, a new NSFAS board is set to be appointed.
In August, Minister Nkabane published an amendment to the terms of reference of the NSFAS administration indicating that the scheme would be taken out of administration earlier than previously stipulated. This called for members of the public to apply for positions on the board.
Nkabane is focused on expediting the appointment of a new NSFAS board, which will be composed of members holding at least a master’s degree.
In any case, the department relies primarily on the board to regularly review operations and ensure that NSFAS aligns with its mandate to serve students.
Nkabane explained that the NSFAS board advises her on matters related to student financial aid and that she assigns it the responsibility of overseeing the institution’s operations.
The board is authorised to appoint professionals to “manage and administer the affairs of NSFAS under the authority of the board" and may also establish committees to provide advice on operational matters.
Nkabane indicated that the new NSFAS board is expected to be appointed between December 2024 and January 2025.
The minister has advertised a call for board member nominations in a government gazette dated 13 August 2024, followed by a subsequent advertisement on 1 September 2024.
Minister Nkabane said that NSFAS board candidates must hold at least master’s degree and have proven experience in fields such as finance, law, ethics, economics, science, public administration, governance, engineering, or higher education.
Only individuals with the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and experience will be considered for board appointments.
Candidates with the requisite experience and qualifications will be shortlisted according to the categories outlined in Section 5 of the NSFAS Act.
Once appointed, board members will receive induction materials and administrative support to help them perform their oversight roles effectively.
Their performance will be evaluated through quarterly reports, annual reports, and financial statements, as well as other parameters set by the minister
Nkabane expects NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo to submit a handover report to the new board to support a seamless transition.
