Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is deeply concerned by the abrupt resignation of Dr Karen Stander as Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board. Her resignation, citing threats, intimidation, bullying, and racism, is cause for serious alarm.
Dr Stander was appointed to lead a newly constituted NSFAS Board after the previous board was dissolved and the entity placed under administration following repeated failures to pay student allowances.
Her appointment had raised genuine optimism that ethical leadership and stability could finally return to NSFAS. That optimism has now been severely undermined by her sudden departure.
The DA has written to the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training demanding that Minister Buti Manamela appear before the Committee to account for the allegations raised in Dr Stander’s resignation letter, as well as his own intervention in the matter. The Minister is scheduled to meet Dr Stander today to discuss these serious concerns.
Having noted the serious claims made by Dr Stander, Minister Manamela must urgently investigate, table his findings before Parliament, and outline concrete steps to restore governance, accountability, and institutional trust at NSFAS.
The DA will continue to maintain strict oversight of NSFAS. This includes the possibility of unannounced oversight visits to ensure that the scheme’s readiness for the next academic year is not compromised and that billions in student funding are protected.
South Africa’s students cannot afford uncertainty or mismanagement. NSFAS must operate transparently, ethically, and efficiently, and those responsible for failures or an alleged toxic workplace culture must be held accountable.
Regards
Dr Delmaine Christians MP
DA Spokesperson on Higher Education & Training