The Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela, said he’s concerned about the resignation of the Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board, Dr Karen Stander.
Dr Stander resigned last week, citing serious allegations regarding the governance environment at NSFAS, including claims of bullying, intimidation, racism, and threats to personal safety.
Manamela has received and formally acknowledged her resignation, adding that her letter of resignation, raises serious allegations regarding the governance environment at NSFAS
The minister was expected to meet Dr Stander on Monday, to discuss allegations raised in her resignation letter.
Meanwhile, a previously scheduled meeting with the full NSFAS Board will go ahead as planned on Wednesday.
Manamela said Wednesday’s meeting will engage the scheme’s leadership on issues of governance, accountability, and organisational culture.
“I am deeply concerned by the gravity of the issues raised by Dr Stander.
These matters warrant serious attention, and I will engage thoroughly before determining the necessary course of action. NSFAS plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education, and we must ensure that it operates in a manner that is ethical, transparent and accountable,” said Manamela.
Furthermore, Manamela said the department remains committed to supporting NSFAS to fulfil its core mandate, which is to serve students and ensure that public resources are managed with integrity.
The department said further communication will follow after the minister’s meeting with Dr Stander and the NSFAS board.
NSFAS is yet to comment on the chairperson’s resignation.
Dr Stander was appointed in February this year, by former minister Dr Nobuhle Nkabane.
Prior to the appointment, she was a senior lecturer in the Department of Business Management at the University of South Africa’s (Unisa) College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS).
