NSFAS Board Appointments Welcomed by Portfolio Committee on Higher Education
NSFAS Board Appointments Welcomed by Portfolio Committee on Higher Education. The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr. Tebogo Letsie, has expressed his support for the recent appointment of the new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board members by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane.
Qualified and Experienced Board
The newly appointed board members bring a diverse range of expertise, with each individual holding at least a master’s degree and extensive experience in finance, law, engineering, governance, and education. These appointments mark a significant step towards strengthening NSFAS and improving its ability to support students effectively.
Mr. Letsie stated, “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. This is a critical step towards restoring stability and ensuring that NSFAS fulfills its mandate of supporting students in their pursuit of higher education.”
NSFAS Board Appointments Welcomed by Portfolio Committee on Higher Education
The newly appointed board members are as follows:
- Dr. Karen Stander: Board Chairperson
- Ms. Ndileka Portia Loyilane: Board Member (Public Administration)
- Adv. Richardt Tlou Ramashia: Board Member (Legal)
- Adv. Lavandran Nanda Gopaul: Board Member (Legal)
- Ms. Philisiwe Sibiya: Member (Accounting, CA(SA))
- Ms. Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson: Member (Accounting, CA(SA))
- Ms. Prashika Mahesh: Member (Accounting, CA(SA))
- Dr. Siyanda Mngadi: Member (Governance)
- Ms. Karabo Mohale: Member (Governance)
- Dr. Johanna Maphutha: Member (Education)
- Dr. Mugwena Maluleke: Member (Education)
- Dr. Marcia Socikwa: Member (DDG: University Education, DHET Representative)
New Era for NSFAS
The committee remains hopeful that the appointment of these capable professionals will bring much-needed stability to NSFAS. Mr. Letsie emphasized that students deserve a financial aid institution that effectively supports them, allowing them to concentrate on their studies rather than worrying about accommodation and funding challenges.
To ensure the continued success of NSFAS, Mr. Letsie stressed the importance of appointing key executive managers, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and Chief Information Officer (CIO). “The stability of the entity will be achieved once the board has appointed capable managers and workers at NSFAS. We encourage the board to prioritize the appointment of these executive managers,” he added.
Commitment to Student Support
The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education remains confident that the new board will put students’ needs first and work towards making NSFAS a pillar of academic support rather than a source of disruption. “We trust that the new board will prioritize the needs of students and ensure that NSFAS becomes a beacon of hope rather than a source of academic disruptions,” Mr. Letsie concluded.
Conclusion
The new NSFAS board appointments mark a crucial step toward better governance and efficiency in student financial aid. With the right leadership, NSFAS has the potential to significantly improve higher education funding and provide students with the support they need to succeed.
