The South African government has appointed a third administrator for NSFAS on May 5, 2026. This move comes amid ongoing governance crises that have raised concerns about the future of student funding in the country.
Professor Hlengani Mathebula is the newly appointed administrator. NSFAS has faced severe governance failures, leading to its placement under administration three times since 2018. The repeated interventions stem from non-compliance with legal recommendations and poor management of student allowances.
The Higher Education Portfolio Committee has expressed deep concerns regarding NSFAS’s instability. The Democratic Alliance has called for a complete overhaul of the payment distribution system for students and universities. They argue that the current system is ineffective and contributes to ongoing issues.
However, the South African Union of Students (SAUS) rejected the decision to place NSFAS under administration. They claim the move is unjustified, stating that until proper justification is provided, they maintain firm opposition to both the decision and the process.
Buti Manamela, the Minister of Higher Education and Training, emphasized that NSFAS is crucial for students from poor and working-class backgrounds. He indicated that this administration intervention aims to restore institutional credibility and operational effectiveness at NSFAS.
Tebogo Letsie from SAUS highlighted the need to understand why effective leadership does not last at NSFAS. He stated, “The repeated placement of NSFAS under administration is deeply concerning.”
The next audit outcome year is set for 2024/25, which will likely reveal more about NSFAS’s operational status. Professor Mathebula brings over 30 years of experience to this role, which may help address some of these pressing challenges.
