Higher Education Minister Stands Firm on NSFAS Governance

Higher Education Minister Stands Firm on NSFAS Governance. Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane has made it clear that she will not establish an advisory council to oversee the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Instead, she is focused on expediting the appointment of a new NSFAS board, which will comprise professionals holding at least a master’s degree.

No Advisory Council for NSFAS

In response to parliamentary questions from DA MP Letta Mathlodi Maseko, Minister Nkabane stated that the department does not see the necessity of an advisory council. She emphasized that such an arrangement is not stipulated in the NSFAS Act and could potentially duplicate the responsibilities already assigned to the board.

“The department relies primarily on the board to regularly review operations and ensure NSFAS aligns with its mandate to serve students,” Nkabane explained.

Appointment of a New NSFAS Board

Nkabane confirmed that her priority is to accelerate the appointment process for the new board. The selection process includes strict criteria, requiring candidates to have a minimum qualification of a master’s degree and significant expertise in fields such as finance, law, ethics, economics, science, public administration, governance, engineering, or higher education.

To initiate the appointment, the minister published a call for nominations in the Government Gazette on August 13, 2024, followed by an additional advertisement on September 1, 2024. The goal is to finalize board appointments between December 2024 and January 2025.

Once in place, the NSFAS board will be empowered to appoint professionals to manage and administer its affairs under board supervision. Additionally, committees may be established to provide operational advice.

Due Diligence and Oversight Measures

Shortlisted candidates will undergo a rigorous evaluation process, including verification of their qualifications and experience, conducted by a panel of technical experts. Following this, the appointed board members will receive induction materials and administrative support to effectively carry out their oversight roles.

Minister Nkabane stressed that the performance of board members will be closely monitored through quarterly and annual reports, financial statements, and other oversight measures determined by the ministry.

Seamless Transition and Stakeholder Engagement

To ensure a smooth transition, NSFAS administrator Freeman Nomvalo will submit a comprehensive handover report to the newly appointed board. This will facilitate continuity and effective governance.

Regarding stakeholder engagement, the department gathers feedback on NSFAS operations through multiple channels, including a student governance framework. This initiative aims to incorporate input from students, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of NSFAS and its board.

Conclusion

Minister Nkabane’s decision to forgo an advisory council in favor of a highly qualified board demonstrates her commitment to improving NSFAS governance. By prioritizing due diligence, stakeholder engagement, and transparent oversight, the department aims to enhance the scheme’s efficiency and effectiveness in supporting students.