By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board has welcomed a Pretoria High Court judgment reinstating it and suspending the appointment of the scheme’s administrator pending the final determination of Part B of its review application.
The court on Friday interdicted Professor Hlengani Mathebula from continuing as NSFAS administrator pending the finalisation of the board members’ application.
The application seeks to have Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela’s decisions in May to dissolve the board, place NSFAS under administration and appoint Mathebula as administrator reviewed and set aside.
The board said in a statement that the interim relief allowed it to resume its governance responsibilities while the review proceedings remained before the court.
“The Board welcomes the Court’s ruling and the opportunity to resume its governance responsibilities, while noting that Part B of the application, which concerns the review and setting aside of the appointment of the Administrator, remains to be determined by the Court.”
The board said it would return to its duties immediately and prioritise stabilising NSFAS and strengthening its governance.
“The Board has noted the various concerns and issues that have emerged in the public domain regarding the institution and will attend to these matters as a priority.”
It said that where wrongdoing, misconduct or unlawful conduct was identified, appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law and applicable governance processes.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to working with Manamela and other stakeholders to address challenges facing NSFAS and the broader higher education sector.
The board said it would not comment further on the litigation while Part B remained outstanding.
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