NSFAS Board Shake-Up: Manamela Accepts Resignations, Reviews Governance Stability

Despite the sudden exits, the Minister acknowledged Maluleke’s role in attempting to stabilise governance and strengthen the agency’s core mandate during his tenure.

South Africa's higher education funding system is facing a critical governance moment after Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela accepted multiple resignations from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board, triggering an urgent review of the institution's leadership stability.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Department of Higher Education and Training confirmed that interim Chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke stepped down from both his board and leadership roles with effect from 27 April 2026, citing personal and academic commitments.

Leadership Exit Raises Governance Questions

Maluleke's departure, alongside the resignation of board member Karabo Mohale—who chaired the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee—has significantly reduced the number of voting members on the NSFAS board.

Officials say this has raised serious concerns about whether the board can remain legally constituted and continue to fulfil its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities.

"The cumulative effect of these resignations has implications for the board's ability to exercise effective oversight and decision-making," the department indicated, signalling the potential for deeper structural intervention.

Despite the sudden exits, the Minister acknowledged Maluleke's role in attempting to stabilise governance and strengthen the agency's core mandate during his tenure.

Internal Challenges Come into Focus

Mohale's resignation has also brought renewed attention to internal institutional challenges within NSFAS. According to the department, concerns raised include:

• The need for organisational redesign

• Strengthening executive leadership capacity

• Improving governance and accountability systems

These issues are now being factored into a broader assessment of the entity, which remains central to funding millions of South African students.

Minister Initiates Formal Review Process

In response to the governance vacuum, Minister Manamela has launched a formal consultation process with the remaining board members to determine the way forward.

Individual correspondence has been issued, inviting members to submit representations within a defined timeframe. The process is aimed at evaluating:

• The board's current legal standing

• Its ability to continue functioning effectively

• Possible lawful and practical alternatives to restore stability

The department stressed that this step is intended to ensure procedural fairness and a thorough assessment before any further decisions are made.

Student Funding to Continue Uninterrupted

Amid concerns about instability, the government has moved to reassure students and institutions that NSFAS operations will not be disrupted.

"All operational processes, including the disbursement of student funding, remain in place and are being closely monitored," the department confirmed.

This assurance is critical, as NSFAS plays a central role in enabling access to higher education for students from poor and working-class backgrounds.

NSFAS Remains Central to Education Policy

Minister Manamela reiterated that NSFAS remains a cornerstone of government policy, particularly in expanding access to universities and technical and vocational education institutions.

With millions of beneficiaries relying on its funding, maintaining institutional stability is seen as a national priority.

Stakeholder Engagement Underway

As part of the ongoing review, the department confirmed that it will continue engaging key stakeholders, including:

• Parliament

• National Treasury

• Oversight and regulatory bodies

These consultations are expected to shape the next phase of governance reforms and determine whether structural changes or board reconstitution will be required.

A Critical Moment for NSFAS

The resignations mark a pivotal moment for NSFAS, an institution that has faced ongoing scrutiny over governance, administration, and service delivery challenges in recent years.

As the Minister weighs legal and operational options, the focus remains on ensuring continuity of funding, restoring confidence in leadership, and strengthening the institution's ability to deliver on its mandate.