The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education has welcomed the appointment of a new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board.
Portfolio Committee Chairperson Teboho Letsie praised the expertise of new board members believing its makeup of masters graduates with extensive professional experience in several fields will improve the administration of the scheme.
We are pleased that NSFAS will now be led by individuals with the necessary expertise to navigate the financial and administrative complexities of the scheme.
The new board will have to address several challenges that undermine the merits of the government bursary scheme. This includes mismanagement of funds and allowance payment challenges, which led to the termination of the previous board.
This is a critical step towards restoring stability and ensuring that NSFAS fulfils its mandate of supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.
Letsie is confident that if the board brings stability to the government bursary scheme, it will ultimately benefit students.
Students deserve an institution that supports them financially, allowing them to focus on their studies rather than grappling with accommodation and funding challenges.
The Portfolio Committee says the new board will stabilise NSFAS when they appoint capable managers and workers at NSFAS. This includes hiring a new executive management team including a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Information Officer.
We trust that the new board will prioritise the needs of students and ensure that NSFAS becomes a beacon of hope rather than a source of academic disruptions.
Students Union Slams NSFAS Board Appointment
The South African Union of Students believed that the appointment of the new NSFAS Board violates the NSFAS Act of 1999, which mandates student representation on the board.
They described the move as unlawful and demanded full transparency regarding the selection process.
The Minister’s unlawful actions reek of cronyism and a contemptuous disregard for student governance. SAUS demands immediate accountability: we demand transparency regarding the composition of this illegitimate Board and the exposure of those complicit in its undemocratic formation.
