By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr Nobuhle Nkabane unveiled the new National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board on Tuesday, 18 February 2025.
The appointment underpins the Minister’s unwavering commitment to ensure that the NSFAS is led by highly qualified individuals with the expertise necessary to drive efficiency, accountability, and transparency.
Recognising the pivotal role that NSFAS plays in enabling access to higher education, Nkabane said she has prioritised the swift appointment of a board that meets stringent professional and academic criteria.
Nkabane said the matter [stringent professional and academic criteria] has been of national interest, and she remains steadfast in her commitment to reforming the institution to benefit South African students.
“[The] NSFAS is a critical institution requiring the highest expertise and ethical leadership. The qualification standards for board appointments have been significantly raised to achieve this.
“Members appointed to the board possess a minimum qualification of a master’s degree and extensive professional experience in finance, law, engineering, or governance. This strategic approach ensures that NSFAS is managed by individuals with the necessary expertise to navigate financial and administrative complexities, while upholding transparency and efficiency,” Nkabane said.
In line with this commitment, the Minister highlighted that the board’s composition reflects the values of inclusivity, youth empowerment, and gender representation.
She said the newly appointed members meet the stringent qualification requirements and embody a diverse and representative leadership team dedicated to transforming higher education funding.
The Minister reiterated the government’s dedication to building a strong and credible NSFAS that functions efficiently and restores public confidence.
“By selecting individuals with proven expertise and experience, NSFAS will operate with integrity, prioritise student needs, and effectively deliver on its mandate. This appointment signals a firm stance on governance reforms within NSFAS and sets a precedent for accountability in state-funded institutions.
“The department remains committed to ensuring that NSFAS supports deserving students, while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency, “Nkabane said.
The NSFAS board is made up of 18 members, with 13 appointed by the minister. Four additional members are co-opted by the board, and the final member is selected by the NSFAS CEO.
These appointments are made in accordance with Section 5 (1)(a)(b) and (c) of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act. Board members serve a term of four years, with their allowances determined according to National Treasury’s remuneration guidelines.
Dr Karen Stander has been appointed as the Chairperson of the board. Stander is a senior lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS).
Other board members include:
Ndileka Portia Loyilane – Board Member (Public Administration)
Advocate Richardt Tlou Ramashia – Board Member (Legal)
Advocate Ramashia
Advocate Lavandran Nanda Gopaul – Board Member (Legal)
Philisiwe Sibiya: Member (Accounting, Chartered Accountant (CA SA))
Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson: Member Accounting (CA SA).
Prashika Mahesh: Member Accounting (CA SA).
Dr Siyanda Mngadi: Member – Governance.
Karabo Mohale: Member – Governance
Dr Johanna Maphutha: Member – Education.
Dr Mugwena Maluleke: Member – Education.
Dr Marcia Socikwa: Member – DDG: University Education (DHET Representative)
“These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening NSFAS as an institution that upholds integrity, accountability, and efficiency in delivering financial aid to deserving students,” Nkabane said.
NSFAS, established in 1991, is a cornerstone of the government’s effort to dismantle barriers to education for historically disadvantaged groups, aiming to ensure all students can pursue higher education. Today, NSFAS remains essential for supporting students in advancing their studies and contributing to society.
However, recent years have seen significant criticism of the scheme, citing inadequate funding, allegations of corruption and poor governance.