Buti Manamela Minister of Higher Education and Training photo supplied
By Buti Manamela
Minister of Higher Education and Training
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, has received and accepted a series of recent resignations from the Board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including the resignation of the interim Chairperson, Dr Mugwena Maluleke, with effect from 27 April 2026.
Dr Maluleke has formally stepped down from his position as Board member and interim Chairperson, citing personal and academic commitments.
The Minister has expressed appreciation for his contribution during his tenure, particularly in efforts to strengthen governance and support the core mandate of the NSFAS.
The Minister has also received and acknowledged the resignation of Board member Ms Karabo Mohale, who served as Chairperson of the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee.
Her reflections on institutional challenges including the need for organisational redesign, strengthened executive capacity and improved governance systems, have been noted as part of the broader assessment of NSFAS.
The cumulative effect of these and other resignations has significantly reduced the number of remaining voting members of the Board, raising serious concerns regarding the Board’s ability to continue to constitute itself lawfully and to discharge its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities.
In light of these developments, the Minister is currently assessing the legal and governance implications, including whether the Board remains capable of effectively exercising its oversight and decision-making functions in terms of the applicable legislative framework.
As part of this process, the Minister has initiated a formal engagement 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.
The Minister has emphasised that this step is intended to ensure procedural fairness and to allow for a full and considered assessment before any further action is taken.
The Department of Higher Education and Training wishes to assure students, institutions, and the public that the work of NSFAS continues without disruption.
All operational processes, including the disbursement of student funding remain in place and are being closely monitored to ensure continuity and stability.
The Minister has further reiterated that NSFAS remains a critical instrument of government policy, central to expanding access to higher education and training for poor and working-class students, and that its stability is of paramount importance.
The Department will continue to engage all relevant stakeholders, including Parliament, National Treasury, and oversight bodies as the process unfolds.
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