Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has reassured students that funding and allowance payments from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will continue without interruption, despite the organisation being placed under administration.
The announcement follows government intervention aimed at addressing ongoing governance and operational challenges within NSFAS.
Funding Will Continue as Normal
Speaking during a media briefing, Manamela emphasised that the administration process is intended to stabilise NSFAS—not disrupt its services to students and institutions.
“The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. Student funding will continue, allowances will continue, appeals processes will continue, and universities and TVET [Technical and Vocational Education and Training] colleges will continue engaging NSFAS operationally.
“The purpose of the intervention is precisely to protect continuity and restore confidence,” the Minister said.
Reasons Behind the Intervention
The decision to place NSFAS under administration comes after a series of challenges, including governance instability, audit failures, ICT system breakdowns, unresolved student appeals, and issues related to student accommodation.
Manamela highlighted the importance of acting decisively to ensure the institution continues to function effectively.
“For many families, NSFAS is not an abstract institution; it is the difference between exclusion and opportunity, between hope and despair,” he said.
Impact on Students and the Education Sector
The Minister noted that any disruption at NSFAS has wide-reaching consequences, affecting universities, TVET colleges, students, and households across the country. It also impacts public confidence in the government’s ability to deliver on education and social justice.
“It is for this reason that government has a responsibility to act when the effective functioning of the institution is seriously undermined,” he said.
Administrator Appointed to Restore Stability
As part of the intervention, Professor Hlengani Mathebula has been appointed as the NSFAS Administrator. He brings over 30 years of experience in governance, financial management, and institutional leadership across both the public and private sectors.
Focus on Stability and Accountability
Manamela reiterated that the administration is a temporary but necessary step to restore accountability, improve operations, and rebuild public trust in NSFAS.
“The administration is not intended to disrupt NSFAS operations. It is about protecting students, stabilising a critical public institution, restoring accountability, and ensuring that NSFAS performs its mandate effectively and lawfully,” Manamela said.
Students can therefore expect continued financial support while efforts are underway to strengthen the long-term stability of NSFAS.
Additional reporting from SANews.org.za.
