Cape town: The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training has agreed to reconvene its meeting with Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela regarding his decision to place the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) under administration.
According to South African Government News Agency, the committee deliberated on Chairperson Tebogo Letsie's decision to postpone a meeting originally scheduled for Tuesday, following the members' failure to receive the necessary documentation in time to adequately prepare. The committee members supported Letsie's decision to delay the meeting, given that the minister did not provide the required presentations and supporting documents related to the NSFAS intervention.
The committee also addressed and rejected the claims that the meeting had been cancelled through a WhatsApp message. They clarified that the chairperson had formally communicated the postponement to members via an official letter and had consulted with the Chair of Chairs regarding the matter.
Letsie stated, "The committee has recommended that the next meeting be held on Friday, 29 May 2026. Committee members also called for the timely delivery of documentation about the appointment of the NSFAS administrator, so they can prepare for the meeting effectively." In line with Parliament's accountability framework, the Minister is required to appear before the committee to account for the decision to place NSFAS under administration and to elucidate the process followed.
The committee further accepted NSFAS's explanation that it could not cover travel expenses for former board members, as they no longer hold office, and there may be no legal or policy basis for such expenditure. Earlier this month, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela placed the National Student Financial Aid Scheme under administration due to governance instability within the institution.
Members emphasized the public importance of the meeting, as it impacts millions of NSFAS students and the broader higher education sector.