New NSFAS Board Vows to Eradicate Corruption and Ensure Transparency
New NSFAS Board Vows to Eradicate Corruption and Ensure Transparency. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has entered a new era with the appointment of a highly qualified board, committed to tackling corruption and ensuring accountability. This move follows a history of financial mismanagement and governance challenges that have plagued the institution for years.
New NSFAS Board Vows to Eradicate Corruption and Ensure Transparency
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, recently announced the appointment of the new NSFAS board, entrusting it with the mission to clean up the institution and restore its credibility. The newly appointed chairperson, Dr. Karen Stander, made it clear that corruption would not be tolerated under her leadership. She emphasized that any individuals involved in unethical activities would be held accountable.
Dr. Stander stated, “Management will be expected to demonstrate the consequence if there are any apples that are polluting the system. I have had meetings and engagements with the Minister, and her instructions are clear: clean the system!”
Challenges Faced by NSFAS
Over the past few years, NSFAS has been marred by financial irregularities, including unpaid student loans, reduced funding for new applicants, and reports of corruption. These issues led to the dissolution of the previous board and placed the organization under administration.
Dr. Stander acknowledged these challenges and stressed the need for the new board to fully understand the extent of the corruption before implementing strategic solutions. She also revealed that state investigative authorities have already begun engaging with the board to address these concerns.
Highly Qualified Leadership to Drive Change
The newly appointed board comprises individuals with extensive expertise in finance, law, engineering, and governance. The members include Ndileka Loyilane, Richardt Ramashia, Lavandran Gopaul, Philisiwe Sibiya, Clarinda Simpson, Prashika Mahesh, Siyanda Mngadi, Karabo Mohale, Johanna Maphutha, Mungwenya Maluleke, and Macia Socikwa.
Minister Nkabane highlighted that all board members hold a minimum of a master’s degree and possess significant professional experience. This, she said, ensures that NSFAS is led by competent individuals who can drive efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the institution.
She stated, “This appointment signals a firm stance on governance reforms within NSFAS and sets a precedent for accountability in state-funded institutions.”
Commitment to Student Welfare
NSFAS plays a critical role in providing financial support to thousands of students seeking higher education. Dr. Stander acknowledged the financial constraints many students face and stressed that the board’s primary focus would be ensuring that students receive the funding they need.
She remarked, “As the President, Ministers, Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), vice-chancellors, USAF, and SAPCO work towards solutions to expand university and TVET college capacity, it is the role of NSFAS to ensure that we are ready to fund and support these students. This means thinking beyond the present, planning for the future, and ensuring that our funding model is both sustainable and inclusive.”
Concerns from Stakeholders
While the appointment of the new board has been widely welcomed, several stakeholders have expressed concerns that need urgent attention. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) welcomed the board and expressed hope that it would prioritize good governance.
Meanwhile, the Private Student Housing Association (PSHA) urged the new board to clarify accommodation allowance rates for the 2025 academic year. The association criticized NSFAS for failing to declare student accommodation rates on time, leading to financial strain on students, private accommodation providers, and universities.
“Clarity on the accommodation allowance rates should have been announced in the third quarter of 2024, giving all concerned parties—students, private accommodation providers, and educational institutions—enough time to prepare,” stated PSHA.
Conclusion
With a renewed leadership team and a clear mandate, the new NSFAS board faces the critical task of addressing past failures and implementing reforms to improve the institution’s efficiency. The government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and accountable NSFAS remains strong, and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the board’s progress in fulfilling its promises.
