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Chaos at NSFAS

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding that Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, come clean about his meetings with former NSFAS Board Chairperson Dr Karen Stander, the NSFAS Board, and Acting CEO Waseem Carrim.

Dr Stander resigned over the weekend, citing a toxic environment of bullying, racism, and intimidation. Mr Carrim has rejected her claims and is consulting lawyers, while the Minister admits NSFAS is facing “serious challenges” and plans to review the Board’s composition.

What may seem like mere political drama on the surface, sould well become a funding crisis for thousands of students. If NSFAS management is in chaos, payments for tuition, accommodation, and registration in 2026 could be delayed or even blocked. Students’ lives are directly affected and some could be forced to defer studies or drop out.

The DA is deeply concerned about the very serious allegations made by Dr Stander. Infighting, denial, and legal threats cannot distract from the need to get to the bottom of these claims.

Minister Manamela must tell Parliament and the public exactly:

  • What came out of his meetings with Dr Stander and the Board,
  • What legal advice he received about the Board’s composition, and
  • What concrete steps are being taken to stabilise NSFAS leadership and ensure students get their funding.

The DA will also push for Dr Stander to testify before the Portfolio Committee, alongside Mr Carrim and the Minister, so that Parliament can hear directly about the governance breakdown and alleged corruption.

It is unacceptable that an entity entrusted with over R50 billion in public funds is run through the media instead of proper governance. Every day of uncertainty at NSFAS risks students’ futures and keeps them trapped in a cycle of poor service delivery under the ANC.

The DA will continue demanding full transparency, independent investigation, and decisive action to ensure NSFAS serves students and not political insiders.

Regards

Dr Delmaine Christians MP
DA Spokesperson on Higher Education & Training

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