Pretoria: Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has accepted a series of resignations from the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), including the resignation of the interim Chairperson, Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, effective from 27 April 2026.
According to South African Government News Agency, Maluleke stepped down from both his roles as a board member and interim chairperson, citing personal and academic commitments. The Minister expressed appreciation for Maluleke’s contributions, particularly in enhancing governance and supporting NSFAS’s core mandate.
The resignation of board member Karabo Mohale, who chaired the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee, was also acknowledged. Mohale’s insights into institutional challenges, such as the need for organizational redesign and improved governance systems, have been noted as part of NSFAS’s broader assessment.
The department highlighted that the cumulative effect of these resignations has considerably reduced the number of voting members, raising concerns about the board’s ability to remain properly constituted and fulfill its statutory responsibilities.
The Minister is currently evaluating the legal and governance implications, including the board’s capacity to maintain effective oversight and decision-making functions, in line with the legislative framework. Formal engagements with the remaining board members have been initiated.
Individual correspondence has been sent to the remaining board members, offering them the chance to provide input on the current governance situation and propose lawful and practical alternatives to ensure institutional stability. The Minister emphasized that this step aims to ensure procedural fairness and allow for a thorough assessment before any further actions are taken.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has reassured students, institutions, and the public that NSFAS operations, including the disbursement of student funding, will continue uninterrupted and are being closely monitored to ensure stability.
The Minister reiterated the importance of NSFAS as a critical government policy tool for expanding access to higher education and training for poor and working-class students. The department will continue engaging all relevant stakeholders, including Parliament, National Treasury, and oversight bodies, as the process unfolds.