Parliamentary oversight of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been thrown into disarray after the last-minute cancellation of a crucial portfolio committee meeting, prompting sharp criticism from opposition parties.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) declared it has lost confidence in Minister Buti Manamela following the postponement of the meeting, which was intended to hold him accountable for placing NSFAS under administration. EFF MP Sihle Lonzi argued that the minister failed to follow proper legal processes required to place an entity under administration.
Lonzi referenced previous instances where the minister placed the Construction SETA, Services SETA, and Local Government SETA under administration, noting that the EFF had raised similar procedural concerns at the time. The MP emphasised that the core issue is not the appointment of administrators themselves, but the risks associated with centralising power in one individual, which can undermine governance structures such as boards and executive accountability. Lonzi cited the example of a Construction SETA administrator who allegedly paid himself R3 million without approval, describing such administrators as operating as “a law unto himself.”
The EFF maintains that proper processes should be followed, including the appointment of all layers of governance, to allow professionals to steer entities effectively rather than resorting to administration.
Democratic Alliance (DA) Higher Education spokesperson Dr Delmaine Christians echoed concerns about instability and lack of accountability. Christians stated that the portfolio committee had scheduled a meeting at NSFAS headquarters, but Minister Manamela informed the committee at the last minute—on the evening before the scheduled 19 May 2026 session—that he required additional time due to ongoing legal processes related to the administration decision.
Christians highlighted that no presentations or documents had been received from the minister or NSFAS at that stage, making meaningful engagement impossible. The DA spokesperson also referenced a letter from NSFAS administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula, who raised governance and procedural concerns, including issues around the participation of former board members.
“The minister had corresponded more than a week earlier indicating he was ready to engage on the 19th,” Christians said, adding that the last-minute change created procedural complications and instability around a major governance intervention.
Professor Mathebula has been tasked with addressing challenges at NSFAS following the dissolution of its board. Christians noted that the administrator’s concerns about engaging with former board members—who are no longer official—contributed to the decision to postpone. The DA believes Parliament should exercise its oversight role by calling the former board members to provide input on the circumstances leading to the administration decision, despite the minister’s position that they no longer hold official status.
Former NSFAS board members have instituted urgent litigation challenging the minister’s decision to place the scheme under administration.
In a statement, Minister Manamela’s office confirmed his availability and readiness to appear before the committee, attributing the postponement to the context of the urgent court proceedings initiated by the former board members and related legal processes. Christians countered that the core problem was the absence of necessary documents and presentations, which rendered proper oversight unfeasible regardless of physical attendance.
The cancellation has intensified questions about governance at NSFAS, with opposition parties stressing that Parliament must not be sidelined on decisions affecting this critical institution responsible for student funding. Further committee engagements are expected as parties seek clarity on the way forward amid the ongoing legal and procedural uncertainties.