Dr Mugwena Maluleke appointed as new acting chairperson of NSFAS

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr. Buti Manamela, has appointed Dr. Mugwena Maluleke as Acting Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board, effective from November 10, 2025.

 The appointment of Dr. Mugwena comes after the resignation of former NSFAS Chairperson Dr. Karen Stander with immediate effect. A toxic environment marked by racism, bullying, intimidation and personal threats at the entity as reasons for Dr. Karen’s resignation. Dr. Stander was appointed by Dr. Nobuhle Nkabane, former Minister of Higher Education and Training, on February 18, 2025.

The newly appointed Acting Chairperson, Dr Maluleke, has extensive experience and is a respected education and labour leader, serving as the Vice President of Education International, General Secretary of SADTU and a former council member of VUT and the Human Resources Development Council.

Dr M. Maluleke’s appointment ensures 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.

The minister has assured students that the functioning of NSFAS is not affected by the reviews process and that applications for 2026 NSFAS funding remain open until 15 November 2025. Students are encouraged to apply now.