The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has appointed Dr. Mugwena Maluleke as the interim chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme board. This follows the resignation of the former chairperson, Dr. Karen Stander, who reportedly cited a difficult governance environment. The ministry stated that the board continues to function normally despite the leadership change.
Dr. Maluleke, who currently serves as the general secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union, is expected to provide stability during this transitional period. Minister Manamela is simultaneously pursuing a court application to regularize the board's appointment process. The ministry has reassured students that the scheme's operations, including the application cycle for the upcoming academic year, are proceeding without interruption.
Eligible students were encouraged to submit their funding applications before the mid-December deadline. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides critical financial support to students from low-income households.
Dr. Maluleke, who currently serves as the general secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers' Union, is expected to provide stability during this transitional period. Minister Manamela is simultaneously pursuing a court application to regularize the board's appointment process. The ministry has reassured students that the scheme's operations, including the application cycle for the upcoming academic year, are proceeding without interruption.
Eligible students were encouraged to submit their funding applications before the mid-December deadline. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme provides critical financial support to students from low-income households.
