Nsfas administrator paid advisors without ministerial approval, committee told
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme Nsfas administrator, Professor Hlengani Mathebula, made payments to four advisors without the approval of Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana and Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela. This revelation emerged during a parliamentary portfolio committee briefing on higher education and training. The committee chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, stated that the process was legally and procedurally flawed and recommended that Minister Manamela take action against Mathebula. Letsie also recommended that the advisors immediately repay all remuneration received. A tense exchange occurred between Minister Manamela and Members of Parliament regarding the advisors' appointments and payments, with Manamela indicating the department would supply the requested information. Mathebula informed the committee that some advisors used personal bank accounts for payments, while others used their companies, which raised concerns as Nsfas Supply Chain had advised on company payment procedures. The committee emphasized the need for clear procedures and proof of approval requests. In other updates, the minister acknowledged outstanding student appeals and challenges with loan schemes, ICT, and data. Mathebula noted that accommodation payments are now handled in-house, and the scheme has shifted to regional support hubs. Despite payments to TVET and university allocations, R10.49 billion in 2026 tuition owed to universities remains the largest unresolved