The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is facing renewed scrutiny following the sudden resignation of its board chairperson, Dr. Karen Stander, over the weekend. Stander cited a “toxic” work environment marked by racism, bullying, intimidation, and personal threats as the reason for stepping down.
Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has acknowledged the ongoing challenges within the scheme, which manages billions in public funds and provides financial support to millions of students.
Multimedia strategist at Youth Capital, Siba Nobandla, described Stander’s resignation as “a symptom, not a disease.” Nobandla said NSFAS’ challenges go beyond leadership turnover, pointing to systemic issues affecting students.
“The thing is, right now we are hearing from students who have not received the funds promised at the beginning of the year. Communication from NSFAS is unclear, and as students write exams in November, many face uncertainty over whether they can continue their education next year,” Nobandla explained.
He added that students enter agreements with NSFAS at the start of the academic year with the promise of financial support, only to encounter delays and confusion months later.
“Often, education is seen as the key, and then they find themselves seven to eleven months later in this predicament,” he said.
Listen to the full interview below:
VOC News
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