Nsfas board challenges Minister Manamela's decision to place scheme under administration
via The Citizen3 min read
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme Nsfas board is moving to interdict Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela鈥檚 decision to place the entity under administration. The remaining seven board members aim to prevent the appointment of Prof Hlengani Mathebula as administrator and suspend the decision's implementation. The board contends that the minister's intervention was procedurally flawed, undermined its authority, and failed to properly consult them as required by the Nsfas Act. They argue that placing Nsfas under administration was neither justified nor lawful. Advocate Tlou Ramashia will represent the board in seeking urgent high court relief for a judicial review. Board members also raised concerns about unfilled vacancies, stating that the minister "refused without reason" to appoint additional members to stabilize governance. Claims of Manamela鈥檚 alleged interference in the appointment of a permanent CEO are central to the dispute, with an allegedly unqualified candidate introduced into the recruitment process. This alleged interference reportedly led to resignations, including those of interim chair Mugwena Maluleke and committee chair Karabo Mohale. Board members claim they were removed just before an appearance before parliament鈥檚 portfolio committee on higher education, where they intended to address alleged meddling in CEO recruitment. Manamela has denied meddling in the board's affairs.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Citizen.
Some members of the Democratic Alliance DA are reportedly upset about the decision to remove former DA leader John Steenhuisen from his position as agriculture minister. The discontent stems from an alleged agreement between current DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis and Steenhuisen, where Steenhuisen would retain his ministerial role if he did not seek another term as party leader. Hill-Lewis has since written to President Cyril Ramaphosa, proposing Steenhuisen's replacement by Willie Aucamp as agriculture minister, with Steenhuisen moving to deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. Ramaphosa has not yet confirmed these changes. Some DA members claim they were not consulted on the reshuffle, with one source suggesting that Hill-Lewis's decision has exposed party divisions and that Steenhuisen feels "betrayed." Political analyst Prof Theo Neethling indicated that the move might be "pure DA damage control" due to Steenhuisen's handling of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis, which alienated many farmers. Hill-Lewis, however, stated his decision was made in the best interests of the DA and the government of national unity, prioritizing public and voter loyalty.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of party leader Jacob Zuma, stated she does not hold her father responsible for her expulsion from the MK party, instead blaming individuals surrounding the party's leadership. She made these comments at a media briefing on Sunday, following her and former national spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela's expulsion from the party on Thursday. Zuma-Sambudla indicated she has not yet discussed the expulsion with her father but plans to do so next week. The party cited a series of actions, public statements, and activities by Zuma-Sambudla and Ndhlela as reasons for their removal. Zuma-Sambudla was accused of undermining party unity and promoting factional narratives, while Ndhlela was accused of unauthorized media briefings and misrepresenting party positions. Ndhlela claims that both his and Zuma's roles in the MK party were undermined and that he and Zuma-Sambudla will challenge their expulsions in the high court, asserting that no disciplinary hearing was held before their removal.
A Limpopo councillor, Netshivhumbe Gumani, 44, was arrested for allegedly attempting to bribe a Special Investigating Unit SIU investigator with R70,000 to disregard evidence in a corruption probe. The investigation concerns allegations of maladministration and corruption related to two tenders by the Mahikeng Local Municipality. Gumani reportedly approached three SIU investigators, offering R10,000 in cash as part of the bribe during a meeting in Mahikeng. The SIU, in collaboration with the South African Police Service and the Hawks, conducted an entrapment operation leading to Gumani's arrest. He faces corruption charges and appeared in the Molopo Magistrates' Court, with his case postponed to June 29, 2026, for a bail application. The SIU stated that its investigators maintain high integrity and that attempts to corrupt them will be met with legal action.