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Students Caught in the Crossfire

Statement by Dr Delmaine Christians MP – DA Spokesperson on Higher Education and Training:

The Democratic Alliance (DA) calls on Minister Buti Manamela to urgently account to Parliament on the steps being taken to restore governance, stabilise the Board, and protect students from further harm.

The latest leadership standoff within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) further confirms the DA’s earlier position that NSFAS faces a deep and ongoing governance crisis.

Alongside the recent NSFAS board resignations, the board appears to be struggling with conflicting legal interpretations of quorum, claims of efforts to obstruct board activities, and accusations of interference in executive appointments. These issues suggest a lack of clarity and unity within the leadership.

Also concerning are signs that leadership appointments might be disputed or perceived as politically motivated. Internal conflicts within the NSFAS board are affecting decision-making, and governance procedures are under strain, potentially harming public confidence.

What is particularly concerning about the latest disruption is the apparent breakdown in the relationship between the NSFAS board and the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, which raises serious questions about governance stability, respect for due process, and the independence of key institutional decisions.

This confirms the DA’s earlier concerns that NSFAS remains under crisis management and lacks a clear, credible turnaround plan. Given NSFAS’ existing challenges with weak financial controls, failing ICT and verification systems, and ongoing disruptions to student funding, this level of instability at the leadership level is simply unsustainable.

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