NSFAS Board Moves To Restore Stability After Years Of Turmoil

NSFAS Board Says Governance Is Finally Turning A Corner

After years of student protests, delayed payments, and mounting public frustration, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme says it is beginning to steady the ship.

Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Tuesday, NSFAS board chairperson Dr Mugwena Maluleke said meaningful progress had been made to stabilise governance structures and confront long-standing administrative failures that have haunted the scheme.

The comments come as NSFAS prepares for the 2026 academic year, a period that has historically triggered anxiety for students reliant on financial aid to register, secure accommodation, and buy learning materials.

New Oversight Structures Take Shape

Maluleke said the board has now put key oversight committees in place and is working closely with management to fix weaknesses inherited from previous administrations.

Several of these issues are currently under investigation by the Special Investigating Unit, following years of allegations around maladministration and corruption within the scheme.

According to the board, rebuilding governance is not only about compliance but about restoring trust in an institution that millions of students depend on to access higher education.

Avoiding A Repeat Of Last Year’s Chaos

For many students, last year’s registration period was marked by uncertainty, with some left stranded due to funding delays and unresolved accommodation approvals.

Maluleke acknowledged this frustration, saying NSFAS is putting transitional systems in place to ensure smoother processes in 2026.

The goal, he said, is seamless registration and support, so students can focus on their studies instead of scrambling for answers during the academic year’s most critical weeks.

Ethics, Staffing And Student Support Still A Work In Progress

While progress has been made, Maluleke conceded that significant work remains. Strengthening ethical standards, filling vacant posts, and improving student-facing systems remain top priorities.

NSFAS has long been criticised for slow responses and poor communication, issues that regularly trend on social media during registration season as students share their struggles online.

The board’s renewed focus signals an attempt to break that cycle and change how the public experiences the scheme.

A Crucial Moment For National Student Financial Aid Scheme

NSFAS plays a central role in South Africa’s higher education system, funding hundreds of thousands of students each year from low- and middle-income households.

With nearly 900,000 applications already received for 2026, expectations are high that this year will mark a turning point.

Whether these governance reforms translate into real-world improvements for students will be closely watched, not just by universities and colleges, but by families across the country who rely on NSFAS as a lifeline to education and opportunity.

{Source:EWN}

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