NSFAS Chaos: NEHAWU Slams Manamela Over Shock Administration Move

The decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration has sparked strong backlash, with unions accusing government of sidelining key stakeholders.

Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela announced the move on Monday during a media briefing in Pretoria, citing ongoing instability at the embattled entity.

NSFAS Under Administration Sparks NEHAWU Outrage

The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) has strongly criticised the decision, arguing that it was excluded from the process.

Spokesperson Lwazi Nkolonzi said the union, as a major stakeholder in the post-schooling sector, should have been consulted.

“We want to categorically say to Minister Manamela that undermine NEHAWU at your peril and you shall see the might of this red and militant national union.”

Governance Crisis At NSFAS Deepens

NSFAS has faced persistent governance challenges over the years, including a previous stint under administration in 2018.

Manamela said the latest intervention follows renewed instability, worsened by recent resignations within the organisation. He maintains the move is necessary to restore order and ensure the scheme functions effectively.

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The South African Union of Students (SAUS) has also pushed back against both the decision and the process followed.

Spokesperson Thato Masekoa called for the move to be overturned.

“As SAUS, we are requesting that the Minister needs to reverse this decision. It deserves to be reversed,” said Masekoa.