Higher Education moves to stabilise NSFAS amid board resignations

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has moved to reassure students that the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) will continue operating without disruption, despite a wave of board resignations.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the department said contingency measures are in place to ensure the scheme’s core mandate remains intact, including funding disbursements and operational functions.

This follows the resignation of interim board chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, who stepped down citing academic and personal reasons.

Higher Education Minister, Buti Manamela, has thanked Maluleke for his service, particularly his role in stabilising the institution during his tenure.

Human Resources Committee Chair, Karabo Mohale, has also resigned, with the Minister acknowledging her reflections on institutional challenges, including the need for organisation redesign, strengthened executive capacity and improved governance systems.

The departures have raised fresh concerns about governance at NSFAS, with the number of voting board members now significantly reduced, potentially affecting decision-making capacity.

Questions are now mounting over whether the remaining board can effectively oversee one of the country’s key student funding institutions.

Spokesperson to the Minister, Matshepo Seedat, said the Minister is urgently assessing the situation and has begun consultations with the remaining board members.

“Individual correspondence has been issued affording them an opportunity to make representations within a defined timeframe on the current governance position and on any lawful and practical alternatives available to ensure institutional stability,” said Seedat. 

She further confirmed that stakeholders, including Parliament and National Treasury, will be engaged as government explores ways to restore stability and strengthen oversight at NSFAS.

The resignation of Mugwena Maluleke as NSFAS Board Chair at the time when there is an investigations on allegations of fraud in the fund raises a lot of question marks as to his complicity in the alleged misappropriations giving rise to the investigations.

— Reuben (@makhubedureube1) April 29, 2026

NSFAS board is needed in Madlanga Commission

— Mkholo Lonsundvu (@bheki_mathebul) April 29, 2026