NSFAS in Turmoil as Board Chair Quits, Citing Racism, Bullying and “Collapse Risk”

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The National Student Financial Aid Scheme has been plunged into crisis after board chairperson Dr Karen Stander dramatically resigned, accusing the Higher Education Department of interference, racism and threats to her family. In a scathing letter to Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, Stander warned that NSFAS was “on the brink of collapse” due to serious governance failures. She detailed 16 incidents of alleged interference and procedural breaches, involving acting CEO Waseem Carrim and department officials. Stander says governance has been “compromised” since the board took office - from irregular CEO appointments to ministerial meddling in board committees. Phemelo speaks to Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Tebogo Letsie, on what this means for students and the future of NSFAS.
3 Nov 3PM English South Africa Education · Careers

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