Maluleke’s appointment as acting NSFAS chair sparks political backlash

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has come under fire for appointing Dr Mugwena Maluleke as the Acting Chairperson of the NSFAS Board.

Maluleke, who currently serves as the General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU), replaces Karen Stander, who resigned citing racism, bullying, intimidation, and safety concerns.

The Department says Dr Maluleke’s appointment aims to ensure stability as the Minister seeks a court review to regularise the board’s appointment process. 

It maintains that the NSFAS Board remains functional, and its core operations continue uninterrupted.

Manamela says Maluleke’s leadership will help uphold governance standards and reinforce public trust.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused Manamela of following the footsteps of his predecessor, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.

The DA’s Dr Delmaine Christians says NSFAS requires independent financial governance, not politically aligned.

“Students and universities have already endured months of chaos, delayed allowances, and system failures. Instead of rebuilding trust, this appointment deepens the perception that NSFAS is a political playground rather than a credible funding institution.”

Christians says the party will write to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education & Training for the Minister’s urgent appearance to account.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Sihle Lonzi slammed the appointment, likening Mugwena to former Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande.

In a post on X, Lonzi said, “When allowances and landlords are not paid, and billions are lost to ghost students, look no further than the ANC!”

Buti Manamela, AKA Blade Nzimande from Temu, has appointed the new NSFAS Board Chairperson.

When allowances and landlords are not paid, and BILLIONS are lost to ghost students look no further than the ANC!

He also happens to be the GS of SADTU. We eagerly await the self-review. pic.twitter.com/m7VlR9KcZs

— Sihle Lonzi (@SihleLonzi) November 12, 2025

We can kiss NSFAS goodbye. Mugwena Maluleke will kill NSFAS and continue rendering it into an extension of ANC patronage networks. https://t.co/a7avLetHPj

— Anti-Capitalist🇵🇸 (@Shelomohkeita) November 12, 2025