DHET Takes NSFAS Board Appointment Process To Court For Self-Review

The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) is heading to court with a self-review application aimed at tightening its procedures for appointing board members of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

In a statement, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela admitted that there were certain procedural shortcomings in the department’s appointment process.

Earlier this year, various student organisations challenged the legitimacy of the current NSFAS board appointments, arguing that former Higher Education Minister Nobuhle Nkabane did not adhere to the proper regulations set out in the NSFAS Act.

Strengthening Accountability and Transparency

Minister Manamela explained that the decision to initiate the self-review forms part of his commitment to rebuild public trust and confidence in NSFAS.

“The self-review is part of my commitment to restore the public’s trust and confidence in NSFAS,” he stated.

The move underscores the department’s intention to ensure that future appointments to the NSFAS board are handled with transparency and in full compliance with legal and governance standards.

DHET: NSFAS Operations to Continue Uninterrupted

Despite the court process, NSFAS’s daily operations will not be disrupted.

“The board remains in place and will continue to fulfil its duties until such time as the court sets the decision aside,” said the minister’s spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat.

“The functioning and structure of NSFAS will not be affected by this application, and student servicing will continue without disruption.”

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The department hopes that by taking this proactive step, confidence in the integrity of NSFAS’s governance will be reinforced while ensuring uninterrupted support for South Africa’s students.

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