The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is set to have a new board overseeing its critical work in funding students from poor and working-class backgrounds. Applications are open and the scheme has revealed the eligibility criteria.
NSFAS provides comprehensive bursaries and student loans to deserving learners enrolled in approved courses at universities and TVET colleges. This includes money for tuition and registration fees as well as several allowances for food, accommodation and learning materials.
In recent years, challenges with the administration of the scheme have undermined the important work NSFAS does.
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 appointed as the scheme's 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 board is set to be appointed.
In August 2024, newly-appointed Minister, Dr Nobuhle 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.
During a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday, 10 September, Minister Nkabane confirmed that applications for the NSFAS board are closed.
Earlier this year in April, my predecessor, Blade Nzimande, dissolved the NSFAS board. I have since issued a notice for the nomination of new board members, and the application period closed late last month.
The minister stressed the importance of ensuring that qualified individuals are appointed to the NSFAS board. Applications submitted by candidates are being evaluated.
We have now begun evaluating applications as part of the government's broader efforts to professionalise public service. We are seeking board members with a minimum of a master’s degree, relevant expertise, skills, competencies, and experience. Their induction will be prioritised, given the critical responsibilities they will assume.
The new board will have a mammoth task on their hands and addressing NSFAS’ capacity deficiencies are on the top of their list of key performance indicators.
"One key issue the new board must address is the organisation's capacity deficiencies, especially in the call centre and executive roles. Currently, NSFAS is operating without a CEO, CFO, and chief audit expert—positions essential for maintaining effective operations," said the Minister.
The new board will need to ensure these roles are filled quickly and that management implements measures to respond efficiently to inquiries.
Nkabane is confident the appointment of a new board will ensure the smooth running of NSFAS as they work to fund close to a million students in South Africa.
"I am confident that with the new board and executive team in place, we will see significant improvements. The administrator will soon provide an update on the steps taken to improve service delivery in line with the board’s terms of reference."
An efficient and effective NSFAS board can help ensure that millions of students are not prevented from obtaining a tertiary education due to financial constraints and factors beyond their control.
