Overview
- Dr Karen Stander quit as NSFAS board chair over what she called racism, bullying, intimidation and threats to her safety.
- Minister Buti Manamela acknowledged serious governance problems and said some allegations could trigger a formal investigation.
- Manamela plans to approach the courts for a self-review of how the board was constituted, citing legal advice that the qualification criteria were inappropriate.
- NSFAS continues to face operational strain, including budget shortfalls, late landlord payments and thousands of blocked or delayed student registrations despite a R13.3 billion allocation.
- Opposition parties demanded accountability in Parliament, while watchdog Outa described a split board and questioned acting CEO Waseem Carrim’s suitability.