The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mr Buti Manamela, notes the decision by the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education and Training to postpone its meeting scheduled for 19 May 2026.
The Minister had confirmed his availability and readiness to appear before the Committee in fulfilment of his constitutional responsibility to account to Parliament on matters relating to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) and the broader Post-School Education and Training sector.
The postponement occurred in the context of urgent litigation proceedings instituted by former NSFAS Board members relating to the decision to place NSFAS under administration, as well as related legal and procedural processes currently underway.
Minister Manamela remains fully committed to parliamentary accountability and will continue engaging the Portfolio Committee appropriately and constructively, including on a suitable future date to be agreed upon with the Committee.
The Minister further reiterates that all decisions taken regarding NSFAS have been guided by the need to:
- protect student funding continuity;
- restore governance stability;
- strengthen accountability
- and safeguard the long-term integrity and sustainability of NSFAS as a critical public institution serving poor and working-class students.
Government remains focused on ensuring operational stability at NSFAS while respecting the ongoing legal process and the constitutional role of Parliament.
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