The interim chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Dr Mugwena Maluleke, and board member Karabo Mohale have stepped down from their positions, leaving the embattled organisation with a leadership vacuum.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela confirmed that he has accepted both resignations in a statement issued by his spokesperson Matshepo Seedat on Wednesday.
“The minister has received and accepted a number of recent resignations from the NSFAS board, including that of interim chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke,” Seedat said.
Maluleke resigned from both the board and his leadership role with effect from Monday, citing personal and academic commitments.
Mohale, who chaired the human resources and organisational development committee, also vacated her position, with the department noting that her views on internal challenges would feed into a broader assessment of the institution.
Concerns over board’s stability
The latest departures form part of a wider pattern that has thinned the board’s ranks, raising questions about whether it can still meet legal requirements and fulfil its oversight duties.
“The combined impact of these resignations has reduced the number of voting members to a point where there are serious concerns about the board’s ability to function lawfully and carry out its responsibilities,” Seedat said.
Manamela is now evaluating the governance and legal implications of the situation, including whether the current board structure remains viable.
“The minister is assessing whether the board is still in a position to effectively execute its oversight and decision-making responsibilities within the prescripts of the law,” the statement said.
As part of efforts to restore stability, the minister has begun engaging remaining board members, inviting them to submit their views on the current situation and possible remedies.
Despite the leadership changes, the department said NSFAS operations are continuing without interruption, with further steps expected as the government works to stabilise the scheme.
“Funding disbursements and all other core functions remain in place and are being closely monitored to ensure stability,” Seedat said.
NSFAS remains a key instrument in supporting access to higher education for students from poor and working-class backgrounds.
- Dr Mugwena Maluleke (interim chairperson) and board member Karabo Mohale have resigned from the NSFAS board, creating a leadership gap.
- Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has accepted the resignations and is assessing the board’s governance and legal viability.
- The board's reduced membership raises concerns about its ability to function lawfully and effectively oversee NSFAS.
- Minister Manamela is consulting remaining board members to find solutions and restore stability.
- Despite leadership changes, NSFAS operations and funding disbursements continue uninterrupted to support students’ access to higher education.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela confirmed that he has accepted both resignations in a statement issued by his spokesperson
“
Maluleke resigned from both the board and his leadership role with effect from
Mohale, who chaired the human resources and organisational development committee, also vacated her position, with the department noting that her views on internal challenges would feed into a broader assessment of the institution.
“
Manamela is now evaluating the governance and legal implications of the situation, including whether the current board structure remains viable.
“
As part of efforts to restore stability, the minister has begun engaging remaining board members, inviting them to submit their views on the current situation and possible remedies.
Despite the leadership changes, the department said NSFAS operations are continuing without interruption, with further steps expected as the government works to stabilise the scheme.
“
NSFAS remains a key instrument in supporting access to higher education for students from poor and working-class backgrounds.
