Cyril Ramaphosa Deeply Concerned About NSFAS Crisis, South Africans Question His Response
- President Cyril Ramaphosa broke his silence on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) governance crisis
- A Special Investigating Unit probe found that more than 40,000 students received R5.1 billion in funding they did not qualify for
- South Africans weighed in on the President's response to the situation, calling for him to take action in the matter
PAY ATTENTION: Mark Briefly News as a preferred source, and our content will appear higher in your Google feed!
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the ongoing crisis at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as a matter of deep concern, as governance failures and a recent court ruling continue to destabilise the scheme that funds millions of South African students.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed Ramaphosa's position on Friday, 21 August 2026.
"The President is deeply concerned about the situation at NSFAS. The governance and financial stability of this institution is vital in the promotion and enablement of access to higher education by millions of deserving young people who ordinarily would never afford to access higher education. Therefore, NSFAS will be stabilised so that it can deliver on its mandate," he said.
PAY ATTENTION: You can now search for all your favourite news and topics on Briefly News.
Ramaphosa’s statement follows recent issues at NSFAS
The statement from the President followed a Gauteng High Court ruling on Friday, 14 August, which ordered Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela to reinstate the NSFAS board and suspend administrator Hlengani Mathebula. The ruling came after Manamela had placed the scheme under administration amid escalating governance concerns.
Magwenya noted that Ramaphosa was occupied with SADC-related engagements when the judgment was handed down and had not yet received a full briefing on its implications.
"The President is yet to discuss the matter with the minister. Therefore, it will be premature to comment at this stage," Magwenya added.
R5.1 billion in improper funding uncovered
The current turmoil at NSFAS is compounded by findings from a Special Investigating Unit probe which found that more than 40,000 students across 76 higher education institutions received funding they were not eligible for, amounting to roughly R5.1 billion.
To date, more than R2 billion has been recovered. NSFAS has since responded to the findings.
While the scheme has faced considerable criticism over the years, some students have made the most of it. In September 2024, one young lady turned her R1,400 allowance into a thriving business. In October 2024, a woman bragged that she built a room with the money.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were largely sceptical of the President's response, with many calling for action to be taken.
Rodney Dodkins wrote:
"Concern and action are two different things. I would like to hear from the vocalist, Naledi Pandor, when it comes to all things educational. She seems awfully quiet."
Neil Cole added:
"Deeply concerned is not an act of doing something."
Tshoki Modise sarcastically echoed a familiar pattern:
"'I'm deeply shocked and concerned, I will be appointing a commission of inquiry into the matter.'"
Thabo Mokoena summarised the reaction bluntly:
"Deeply concerned. Awaiting briefing. That about covers it."
NSFAS cuts ties with corrupt service providers
In July 2024, NSFAS cut ties with four service providers due to corruption allegations.
Briefly News reported that NSFAS would no longer use Coinvest, Ezaga, Naracco or Tenet.
The companies used to distribute student allowances, but this is now done by the universities.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Source: Briefly News
