Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has announced new measures to strengthen governance and leadership at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The minister has appointed Advocate Richardt Tlou Ramashia as the interim chairperson of the NSFAS Board. The appointment is intended to provide stability and continuity while vacancies on the board are being filled.
The department says the process will include the appointment of representatives from the Ministry of Finance, as well as other required members with expertise in areas such as finance, governance, law and information technology.
Manamela has also backed a request for Waseem Carrim to remain as acting NSFAS chief executive officer while the process of appointing a permanent CEO continues.
The measures follow recent governance challenges at the student funding scheme.
The minister says the immediate priorities include ensuring student funding and service delivery, addressing NSFAS’s financial position, completing financial reconciliations and audit work, improving student accommodation and preparing for the 2027 academic year.
Manamela says NSFAS needs stable leadership and clear accountability while outstanding challenges are addressed.
He also says legal processes should not distract the institution from its responsibility to support students and prepare for the 2027 academic year.
