The MPs on the Portfolio Committee for Higher Education and Training are still determined to have a meeting with the Minister about the latest developments at NSFAS. Minister Buti Manamela cancelled the previous meeting on short notice, informing the Chairperson that he didn't have all the information he needed.
The MPs on the committee discussed Chairperson Tebogo Letsie’s decision to postpone the original meeting, which had been scheduled for Tuesday. Members said they did not receive the necessary documents in time to properly prepare for the engagement.
Committee members agreed that Letsie had limited options after the minister failed to submit the required presentations and supporting documents linked to the NSFAS intervention.
The committee also dismissed reports claiming that the meeting had been cancelled via WhatsApp. Members clarified that the postponement was formally communicated through an official letter from the chairperson, who had also consulted with the Chair of Chairs.
“The committee has recommended that the next meeting be held on Friday, 29 May 2026. Committee members also called for the timeous delivery of documentation about the appointment of the NSFAS administrator, so they can prepare for the meeting effectively,” Letsie said.
Letsie further explained that Parliament’s accountability processes require the minister to appear before the committee to explain both the decision to place NSFAS under administration and the procedures followed.
Committee Accepts NSFAS Explanation On Former Board Members
The committee also accepted NSFAS’s explanation regarding travel expenses for former board members. According to the scheme, it could not cover these costs because the individuals no longer hold office and there may be no legal or policy basis for such expenditure.
Earlier in May 2026, Minister Manamela placed NSFAS under administration due to ongoing governance instability at the organisation.
Committee members stressed that the matter is of major public importance as it impacts millions of NSFAS-funded students and the wider higher education sector in South Africa.
