Two members of the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) have resigned, raising concerns about the entity’s governance and operational capacity.
The resignations include interim chairperson Mugwena Maluleke and Karabo Mohale, who served as chairperson of the Human Resources and Organisational Development Committee.
The Department of Higher Education and Training confirmed that Minister Buti Manamela has begun formal engagements with the remaining board members in response to the developments.
Ministerial spokesperson Matshepo Seedat said Maluleke stepped down citing personal and academic commitments.
“The Minister has expressed appreciation for his contribution during his tenure, particularly in efforts to strengthen governance and support the core mandate of NSFAS,” Seedat said.
She added that the growing number of resignations has significantly reduced the number of voting members on the board, raising serious concerns about its ability to function effectively.
“The cumulative effect of these and other resignations has impacted the board’s ability to lawfully constitute itself and fulfil its statutory and fiduciary responsibilities,” Seedat said.
Manamela is now assessing the legal and governance implications of the situation.