Dr Mugwena Maluleke appointed as acting chairperson of NSFAS
SADTU general secretary Mugwena Maluleke has been appointed as the acting chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board.
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The Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has appointed Dr Mugwena Maluleke as acting chairperson of the board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
The appointment comes after the resignation of Dr Karen Stander about a week ago. According to a statement posted by the South African government at the time, in Dr Stander’s resignation letter she had raised concerns about the governance environment at NSFAS, which included claims of bullying, intimidation, racism, and threats to personal safety.
A statement issued by the ministry on Tuesday said Dr Maluleke's appointment would ensure continuity and stability as the Minister proceeds with a self-review court application to regularise the board's appointment process.
The NSFAS Board remains functional, and its core work continues uninterrupted.
It added that Dr Maluleke is a respected education and labour leader, currently serving as vice president of Education International and SADTU general secretary.
He also previously served as a council member at VUT and the Human Resource Development Council.
The ministry said his leadership will help uphold governance standards, reinforce public trust, and guide NSFAS through this transitional phase.
“The functioning of NSFAS is not affected by the review process. Students can be assured that services are continuing. Applications for 2026 NSFAS funding remain open until 15 November 2025. I encourage all eligible students to apply now,” said Manamela.