High Court Reinstates NSFAS Board and Suspends Administrator Professor Mathebula
Johannesburg – In spite of managing a substantial annual budget exceeding R50 billion, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), which aids over 1.2 million students enrolled in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges, is facing significant challenges.
This follows a High Court ruling in the case of Ramashia and Others v Minister of Higher Education and Training and Others.
On Friday, 14 August 2026, the court declared that the appointment of NSFAS Administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula was “irrational”.
Additionally, the court suspended his appointment while awaiting a decision on Part B of the review application.
Earlier this year, Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela dismissed seven NSFAS board members before appointing Professor Mathebula as the administrator of the scheme.
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However, the court directed on Friday that the previous board members should take back control of the management, governance, and administration of NSFAS in the interim.
In response to the ruling, Minister Manamela stated he was “giving the judgment urgent consideration and has sought legal advice on its implications, including available legal remedies and appropriate steps to take”.
The Department of Higher Education and Training has confirmed it will implement all necessary measures to ensure NSFAS continues to function effectively and, “most importantly, that there is no disruption to student funding and other essential NSFAS operations”.
The department reassured that the “minister respects the authority of the court” and will provide further communication once the judgment and available legal options have been fully evaluated.
In a statement, the reinstated NSFAS board expressed that it welcomed the court ruling and would resume its responsibilities “with immediate effect, focusing on stabilizing the institution, enhancing governance, and fulfilling its statutory duty to provide financial support to eligible students across South Africa”.
While affirming its commitment to working cooperatively with the Minister of Higher Education, the NSFAS board mentioned it would refrain from further comments at this time due to the ongoing court proceedings and the pending Part B hearing.
Part B pertains to the review and annulment of the appointment of the administrator.
Meanwhile, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has expressed approval for the reinstatement of the NSFAS board.
When Minister Manamela disbanded the board, he argued that the decision was driven by stringent legal compliance rather than political motives.
However, OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage commended the board’s challenge to Manamela’s dissolution decision, deeming it an instance of political interference.
OUTA Investigations Manager Rudie Heyneke warned that NSFAS requires stability, cautioning that instability could jeopardize the progress achieved after years of turmoil and ineffective leadership.
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