Progress made to stabilise NSFAS governance, says chairperson

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board said on Tuesday that progress was being made to stabilise governance and tackle legacy issues.

It added that work was underway to address what it termed "deep administration challenges".

Board chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke addressed a media briefing earlier on Tuesday, outlining preparations for the 2026 academic year.

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Maluleke said the scheme’s board had established key oversight committees and was working with management to address past weaknesses.

This included matters now under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).

He stated that much work remained to strengthen ethics, fill vacant posts, and ensure students were supported through smoother funding and accommodation processes.

“We are in the process of ensuring that we have transitional arrangements in place to avoid what happened last year where students were stranded and frustrated… our comprehensive programme for 2026 is to ensure that everything is seamless in terms of registration and support for our students.”

The body has in the past been plagued by systemic challenges of maladministration and corruption that culminated in an investigation by the SIU.

Written by: Dimakatso Leshoro