Minister Nobuhle Nkabane announces appointment of NSFAS board

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, is pleased to announce the appointment of the new board of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The appointment underpins the Minister’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that NSFAS is led by highly qualified individuals with the expertise necessary to drive efficiency, accountability, and transparency.

Recognising the pivotal role that NSFAS plays in enabling access to higher education, Minister Dr Nkabane has prioritised the swift appointment of a board that meets stringent professional and academic criteria. This matter has been of national interest, and the Minister remains steadfast in her commitment to reforming the institution to benefit South African students.

The Honourable Minister, Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane, emphasises that NSFAS is a critical institution requiring the highest expertise and ethical leadership. The qualification standards for board appointments have been significantly raised to achieve this. 

Members appointed to the board possess a minimum qualification of a master’s degree and extensive professional experience in finance, law, engineering, or governance. This strategic approach ensures that NSFAS is managed by individuals with the necessary expertise to navigate financial and administrative complexities while upholding transparency and efficiency.

In line with this commitment, the board’s composition reflects the values of inclusivity, youth empowerment, and gender representation. The newly appointed members meet the stringent qualification requirements and embody a diverse and representative leadership team dedicated to transforming higher education funding.

The Minister, Dr Nkabane, further reiterates the government’s dedication to building a strong and credible NSFAS that functions efficiently and restores public confidence. By selecting individuals with proven expertise and experience, NSFAS will operate with integrity, prioritise student needs, and effectively deliver on its mandate.

This appointment signals a firm stance on governance reforms within NSFAS and sets a precedent for accountability in state-funded institutions. The Department remains committed to ensuring that NSFAS supports deserving students while upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency.

The newly appointed NSFAS Board members are:

Board Chairperson
Dr. Karen Stander – Education.
Dr. Karen Stander, a senior lecturer in the Department of Business Management at Unisa’s College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), has been appointed as the Chairperson of the NSFAS board. With over 13 years in academia and a PhD in Business Management from the University of Pretoria, Dr. Stander brings extensive experience in student empowerment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She is committed to fostering an efficient, well-governed NSFAS that ensures sustainable student funding.

Board Members
Ms Ndileka Portia Loyilane - Board Member (Public Administration)
Ms. Portia Loyilane holds a degree in Commerce and a Master’s degree in Disability Studies. With extensive experience in industrial and economic development, she has served in key provincial government roles, advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Ms Loyilane is regarded as a leading voice in disability advocacy and has chaired several initiatives, including the Disabled Women’s Development Programme.

Adv. Richardt Tlou Ramashia - Board Member (Legal)
Advocate Ramashia is an admitted advocate of the High Court, holding an LLB from the University of Limpopo and a Master’s degree in Corporate Law from UNISA. With a background in public service and legal advisory roles, he has served as a legal advisor to various municipalities and held leadership positions in governance bodies, including the Limpopo Consumer Affairs Court and the Polokwane Housing Association.

Adv. Lavandran Nanda Gopaul - Board Member (Legal)
Advocate Lavandran Gopaul, a seasoned legal expert, holds multiple qualifications, including an MPA from Harvard University, an LLM from Boston University, and an LLB from UKZN. As a finance and law expert, he has extensive experience in fund management, stockbroking, and business consulting. Adv. Gopaul has also served as a finance and economics commentator on various media platforms, bringing strategic financial expertise to the board.

Ms. Philisiwe Sibiya - Member (Accounting, CA(SA))
Ms. Philisiwe Sibiya is a renowned business leader with over 20 years of experience in financial and corporate leadership. As a business conglomerate's founder, director, and CEO, she has demonstrated unparalleled financial acumen and industry expertise. Ms. Sibiya’s career milestones include serving as the first female CEO of a major corporation, where she spearheaded transformative financial strategies. Her extensive leadership in multinational corporations has positioned her as a trailblazer driving financial sustainability and governance.

Ms. Clarinda Elizabeth Simpson: Member - Accounting (CA SA).
Clarinda Simpson is a Chartered Accountant with over 21 years of experience in financial management, including 16 years at an executive level. She has held CFO positions at various organizations, including ICASA, the Media Development & Diversity Agency, and the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator. She has also served as a Non-Executive Director at ARMSCOR, where she chaired the Audit & Risk Committee. Currently, she is the CFO of the Independent Development Trust and a Council member of the Vaal University of Technology, where she chairs the Audit and Risk Committee.

Ms. Prashika Mahesh: Member - Accounting (CA SA).
Prashika Mahesh is a Chartered Accountant specializing in Enterprise Risk, Business Continuity Management, and Compliance. She has extensive experience in internal audit, fraud risk management, forensics, and compliance, playing a strategic role in guiding organizations toward their objectives. She is known for her strong communication and interpersonal skills, which have been instrumental in dealing with external stakeholders such as retailers, insurers, and loss adjusters.

Dr. Siyanda Mngadi: Member – Governance.
Dr. Siyanda Mngadi holds a PhD in Geophysics from the University of the Witwatersrand and has published peer-reviewed papers in international journals. He has experience in asset management, mining, and energy sectors and has served as an executive manager responsible for mergers and acquisitions in the investment industry. He is the Managing Director of Ntuthuko Resources and has served as a non-executive director for several mining-related companies. His expertise includes geophysical exploration and financial investment in the mining sector.

Ms. Karabo Mohale: Member – Governance
Karabo Mohale is a Development Specialist with a Master of Arts in Development Studies from the University of Sussex (UK) and a BCom Honours in Marketing. She currently serves as the Executive Deputy Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and has extensive governance experience. She has served on the Council of the Tshwane University of Technology and the Gauteng Liquor Board and currently chairs the Board of the Tshwane Institute for Continuing Education. Mohale also serves on the Audit and Risk Committee of the OR Tambo School of Leadership.

Dr. Johanna Maphutha: Member – Education.
Dr. Johanna Maphutha holds a PhD in Education Leadership and Management from the University of Johannesburg and has over 24 years of experience in strategic leadership, social research, and education. She specializes in community responsibility initiatives and has multiple publications on education and social investment. She holds a Master’s in Science and Technology Education from the University of Pretoria and a Business Management certification from Milpark Business School. Her career reflects a strong commitment to community development and education policy.

Dr. Mugwena Maluleke: Member – Education.
Dr. Mugwena Maluleke is a teacher, unionist, and social justice activist currently serving as the President of Education International. He is also the General Secretary of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU). His leadership is focused on advocating for public education, labor rights, and social justice. He is actively involved in the Go Public! Fund Education campaign, which calls for governments to invest in education as a catalyst for economic and social transformation.

Dr. Marcia Socikwa: Member - DDG: University Education (DHET Representative)
Dr. Marcia Socikwa holds degrees from the University of the Witwatersrand, City University, and Stirling University. She has worked extensively in telecommunications, higher education, and governance. Currently, she serves as a Deputy Director General at the Department of Higher Education and Training, overseeing governance, funding, and transformation for public and private institutions, NSFAS, and national education councils. She is a strong proponent of good governance, data analytics, and social justice.

These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening NSFAS as an institution that upholds integrity, accountability, and efficiency in delivering financial aid to deserving students. The Minister remains committed to ensuring that NSFAS fulfils its mandate of making higher education more accessible to South Africans.

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