By Charles Molele
The new acting chair of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Dr Mugwena Maluleke, has vowed to deal decisively with the mismanagement, corruption, and administrative failures that have plagued the entity.
The problems that have led to late payments, academic exclusions, hunger, and operational chaos are undermining access to higher education for thousands of young people.
In an exclusive interview with Inside Education, Maluleke said stabilising governance and restoring operational efficiency will be his immediate priority as he steps into the role.
“Our immediate focus is to stabilise payment processes, secure cash flow for the current academic cycle, and urgently address ICT and payment system failures that have caused disruptions,” Maluleke said.
“We will implement a clear command-and-control structure to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and ensure every
approved student receives their funding on time.”
He said the long-term vision is to rebuild NSFAS into a model public entity that delivers its mandate through efficient,
transparent, and accountable funding systems.
Maluleke stressed that accountability will be central to NSFAS’s turnaround.
“We are strengthening internal controls, enhancing oversight, and introducing more rigorous audit processes. We aim to foster
a culture of integrity and ethical conduct throughout the organisation,” he said.
“Working with the Department of Higher Education and Training, the Auditor-General, and other oversight bodies, we are committed to full transparency. Any irregularities will be promptly investigated and resolved. I am personally committed to disciplined, evidence-based engagement with the Minister, Parliament, and institutional leaders to support coordinated reforms.”
On the contentious issue of direct payment of student allowances, Maluleke said the system requires a balanced and evidence-based approach.
“While it offers efficiency and transparency, it also presents risks related to oversight, financial literacy, and potential misuse,” he said.
“The Board will commission a full technical evaluation of the platform. We are developing stronger monitoring systems, enhanced tracking mechanisms, and financial literacy support for students. Close collaboration with institutions is essential to ensure funds are used appropriately.”
He added: “Our ultimate goal is a transparent and accountable disbursement process that protects public funds and supports
equitable access to quality education.”
Maluleke said rebuilding trust in NSFAS is one of his top priorities as the new chair.
“We will do this through transparent communication, strengthened governance, and demonstrable improvements in
service delivery,” he said.
“We are engaging directly with students, universities, TVET colleges, and government stakeholders to rebuild trust.
Continuous improvement, responsible financial management, and adherence to best practices in public-sector governance will
guide this work.”
Maluleke was appointed by Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela in November this year following the
resignation of the previous NSFAS board chair.
As a current board member, he brings extensive leadership and governance experience to the position.
Widely regarded for his commitment to education and social justice, Maluleke is a seasoned educationist, trade unionist, and academic.
He holds a doctorate in education and has contributed significantly to South Africa’s education transformation.
He currently serves as the General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union and has been a member of the union since its inception in 1990.
Last year, he was unanimously elected President of Education International at its 10th World Congress in Buenos Aires, a global recognition of his leadership and advocacy in the education sector.
NSFAS said Maluleke’s experience in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership will be key to strengthening the scheme and restoring confidence among students and institutions.
“He has contributed extensively to advancing educational transformation in the country,” said NSFAS in a statement.
“Dr Maluleke’s expertise in policy development, stakeholder engagement, and organisational leadership is well-regarded, and NSFAS is confident that his guidance will further strengthen the organisation’s commitment to supporting students in need. We wish Dr Maluleke every success in his new role and look forward to his leadership as NSFAS continues its mandate to provide financial assistance to deserving students across South Africa.”
INSIDE EDUCTAION
