Nehawu slams Manamela’s decision to place NSFAS under administration

Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela.

Labour union, National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) has strongly criticised Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela’s decision to place NSFAS under administration.

[COMING UP] NEHAWU says it is flabbergasted by Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela’s decision to place NSFAS under administration without consulting the union.#SABCNews #FirstTakeSA pic.twitter.com/wpHLML7K38

— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) May 5, 2026

The union says previous administrators caused decay through maladministration and financial irregularities.

It referred to the former Auditor-General, Kimi Makwetu’s findings for the 2018/19 financial year that revealed R7.5 billion irregular expenditure – an increase from R30.5 million in the previous year.

Manamela appointed Professor Hlengani Mathebula as administrator of NSFAS.

JUST IN | Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela has placed the National Student Financial Aid Scheme – NSFAS – under administration, citing poor governance and maladministration. pic.twitter.com/wfnhvFFIX0

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 4, 2026