The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is set to have a new spokesperson from December 1.
Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande’s spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, has will take the reins as the new NSFAS spokesperson.
In a statement released on Monday, NSFAS spokesperson Slumezi Skosana said Mnisi is the new senior manager for corporate communications of the student financial aid scheme.
New broom at embattled entity
“[NSFAS] is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ishmael Mnisi as the new senior manager for corporate communications.
“Mr Mnisi will also serve as the NSFAS spokesperson. His appointment is effective from the 1st of December 2023.
“Amongst his other responsibilities, he will deliver public relations campaigns, develop, manage, and implement the NSFAS brand, advertising and digital/online communication strategies, content development, publications, writing and editorial services, plan and design a national communications strategy, media engagement and reputation management, community outreach and public education, internal communication, and engagements,” said Skosana.
Mnisi joins the embattled NSFAS following recent revelations of a tender corruption scandal at the organisation.
This led to the board firing its CEO Andile Nongogo.
Investigations into irregularities
NSFAS said an investigation commissioned by the board found that Nongogo actively participated in the evaluation of the bids and the appointment of four direct payment service providers.
The tenders were awarded to fintech companies eZaga, Tenet Technology, Coinvest and Norraco, to pay out billions of rands in student allowances.
Long career in corporate comms
Mnisi has a career spanning 23 years in corporate communications.
His career started in the year 2000 as the deputy manager for publications at the Limpopo office of the premier.
He was the deputy manager for corporate communications and marketing at the Limpopo Department of Public Works in 2004.
In 2006, he worked as the manager responsible for media liaison and Marketing.
He became the coordinator media liaison for the ANC In 2008.
Mnisi then joined the national Department of Transport as the director for media liaison, spokesperson and speech writer for Minister Dipuo Peters in 2014.
Later he was appointed in the same capacity for ministers Joe Maswanganyi and Blade Nzimande.
New lease on life for NSFAS
Skosana said Mnisi will be bringing his organisational ability, administrative talent and communication prowess to the NSFAS team.
Mnisi has a national diploma in journalism from Technikon Northern Gauteng, a BTech in journalism from Tshwane University of Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts specialising in Public Administration and Development from the University of South Africa (UNISA), and a certificate in Project Management from Damelin College.
He also received training in public financial management, communication protocols and labour relations.
Skosana said the board of NSFAS wishes Mnisi well in his new responsibilities.
Well wishes
“The board believes that his wealth of experience will improve the relationship between NSFAS and the media and its stakeholders.
“These include amongst others, the shareholder, the Department of Higher Education and Training, organised students’ formations, University South Africa (Usaf), the South African Public College Organisation (SAPCO), Organised labour and third-party agencies,” said Skosana.
