The Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board, Dr Karen Stander, has reportedly resigned from the institution, citing bullying, racism, intimidation, and threats to her personal safety.
This was confirmed by the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela in a statement published on Monday, 3 November 2025.
In that statement, Manamela said Dr Stander’s resignation letter contains serious allegations regarding the governance environment at NSFAS.
The Minister said he will meet with Dr Stander today, (3 November), to discuss the issues raised “directly and in detail”.
Manamela also confirmed that a previously scheduled meeting with the entire NSFAS board will go ahead as planned on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, to continue engagement with the institution’s leadership on issues of governance, accountability, and organisational culture.
This is deeply concerning as we do not feel this will go well for students who may be patrons of the National Student Financial Aid scheme. With the 2025 year coming to a close, 2026 in financial aid systems looks bleak, with a clear push towards students going for study loans from private financial institutions that can and will black list students for failing to pay back those student loans at a set times. We are moving into an American styled Student Loans/ Debt era, and I feel that Banks are waiting in anticipation for this very shift.
As it stands, there are a number of growing issues being faced by students and universities around NSFAS funding delays and payments. We should probe the issues at NSFAS and the sudden resignation of Dr Karen Stander with a fine-tooth-comb.
