By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board says its immediate focus will be on stabilising the student funding scheme and strengthening governance after a Pretoria High Court ruling suspended the appointment of administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula and reinstated the board.
“The NSFAS Board will resume its duties with immediate effect and will focus on stabilising the institution, strengthening governance, and fulfilling its statutory mandate to provide financial assistance to eligible students across South Africa,” it said in a statement.
The court on Friday interdicted Mathebula from continuing as NSFAS administrator pending the finalisation of Part B of the board members’ application, which seeks to have Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela’s decisions to dissolve the board, place NSFAS under administration and appoint Mathebula as administrator reviewed and set aside.
Manamela dissolved the NSFAS board and appointed Mathebula as administrator in May.
The board welcomed the interim relief and its return to NSFAS’s governance structures.
“The NSFAS Board welcomes [Friday’s] judgment of the Pretoria High Court granting interim relief suspending the appointment of the NSFAS Administrator and reinstating the Board pending the final determination of Part B of the review application,” it said.
It said it had noted concerns and issues that had emerged publicly about the institution and would address them as a priority.
It said that where wrongdoing, misconduct or unlawful conduct was identified, appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law and applicable governance processes.
“The Board further reaffirms its commitment to working constructively with the Minister of Higher Education and Training and all relevant stakeholders in addressing the challenges facing NSFAS and the broader higher education sector.”
The board said it would not comment further on the litigation while Part B remained before the court.
INSIDE EDUCATION
