Latest news with #Nsfas
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nsfas backs new Higher Education leadership, reaffirms support
Nsfas reiterated its central role in the national project to transform higher education through inclusive policy and funding reform. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) has pledged its full support for newly appointed Minister of Higher Education and Training Buti Manamela, and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Nsfas reaffirmed its commitment to transforming South Africa's higher education sector. The Nsfas board congratulated both leaders following their appointment by President Cyril Ramaphosa last week, describing the move as an opportunity to drive innovation and improve access to quality education for students across the country. 'The board is confident that Minister Manamela's leadership will inspire ongoing progress and innovation within the sector, thereby promoting greater access and success for South Africa's students,' Nsfas said in a statement. Confidence in new leadership Manamela, who previously served as deputy minister in the same department during the sixth administration, replaces Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Dube-Ncube, a seasoned public servant and former KwaZulu-Natal premier, was appointed in terms of section 93(b) of the constitution. Nsfas lauded the experience both bring to the ministry, particularly Dube-Ncube's track record in governance. 'Her unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry's efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide,' the board stated. The swearing-in ceremony for the two leaders took place at Tuynhuys in Cape Town, officiated by President Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile. ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about the new higher education minister Buti Manamela Pushing forward with innovation and inclusion Nsfas reiterated its central role in the national project to transform higher education through inclusive policy and funding reform. 'Nsfas remains dedicated to supporting the ministry's vision and government's vision of transforming higher education through innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies,' it said. The scheme said it looks forward to working closely with both Manamela and Dube-Ncube. 'We look forward to collaborating with the minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans.' The board's remarks come at a time when the funding model and operations of Nsfas are under scrutiny, making its alignment with the new leadership critical for rebuilding trust and improving delivery. NOW READ: Ramaphosa fires Nobuhle Nkabane, appoints new higher education minister
The Citizen
24-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Nkabane's dismissal shows performance is finally being prioritised
Poor leadership, policy missteps, and stakeholder neglect made Nkabane's position in higher education untenable. Dr Nobuhle Nkabane at the official launch of the National Skills Fund (NSF) Disabilities Programme Phase I at Blind SA. (Photo by Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi) There was little surprise this week when President Cyril Ramaphosa fired higher education and training minister Nobuhle Nkabane as her position became untenable. She misled parliament in a portfolio committee regarding the appointments of the Sector Education and Training Authority board. Her short stint at the helm of one of the most complex and politically sensitive portfolios was also marred by administrative missteps, a breakdown in communication with key stakeholders, and a failure to provide clear, strategic leadership during a critical time for the sector. While Cabinet reshuffles often raise questions about internal party dynamics, this decision appears to have been driven by performance and public outcry, rather than politics. Nkabane inherited a department already under immense strain. South Africa's higher education sector faces a multitude of challenges: from underfunding and student debt to overcrowded institutions and a widening gap between education and employment. ALSO READ: Why the ANC remains a safe haven for corruption Rather than stepping into the role with decisiveness and clarity, Nkabane struggled to manage the operational demands of the department. Her most notable failure was her mishandling of the crisis surrounding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas). The rollout of a new direct payment system, using third-party service providers, led to widespread delays, disbursement errors, and student protests across the country. Despite repeated warnings from student unions and technical experts, the department failed to take corrective action or adequately communicate with affected students. Nkabane's public appearances during this period often came across as defensive, reinforcing perceptions that she was out of depth. Compounding the Nsfas debacle was a broader failure to engage constructively with the very stakeholders she was meant to lead. Student organisations such as the South African Union of Students accused her of ignoring urgent meeting requests during protest actions. ALSO READ: Parliament concludes Seta panel never existed Several university vice-chancellors also reported difficulty engaging with her office on campus safety, infrastructure development and funding allocations. At a time when decisive leadership and open communication were essential, Nkabane remained inaccessible and silent, allowing tensions to escalate on campuses. Perhaps most telling, however, was her inability to articulate a long-term vision for the department. Her public addresses were laced with vague commitments to transformation and inclusion, but these sentiments were rarely backed by concrete policy or institutional reform. No significant advances were made in addressing curriculum reform, expanding digital access, or tackling the mismatch between higher education output and labour market needs. Her leadership simply did not inspire confidence. In contrast, the promotion of Buti Manamela to the ministerial position represents a return to experience and substance. Having served as deputy minister for several years, Manamela has built a solid reputation for being hands-on, accessible and knowledgeable. ALSO READ: Five things you need to know about the new higher education minister Buti Manamela Ramaphosa's decision to remove Nkabane and elevate Manamela should be viewed as more than a political adjustment – it is a statement about the value of competence in public office. For far too long, Cabinet appointments have been seen as rewards for loyalty rather than results. In this instance, the move suggests a growing recognition that performance must take precedence, especially in departments that impact millions of young South Africans and the future of the country's economy. While this shift is welcome, it must not stop here. The education sector requires leadership that is responsive, accountable and visionary. In firing Nkabane and promoting Manamela, Ramaphosa has taken a step towards restoring integrity and functionality in higher education. The hope now is that this signals the beginning of a broader commitment to putting the right people in the right places – for the right reasons. NOW READ: 'Long overdue' – Opposition parties welcome Nkabane's removal
IOL News
21-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Ernest Khoza loses court bid to challenge Outa's corruption report
The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed an application by the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) former chairperson, Ernest Khoza's application for the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) to remove a report implicating him in corruption. Image: Supplied Ernest Khoza, former chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas), has lost his bid to challenge the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) over a report implicating him in corruption. The Johannesburg High Court dismissed his application to have the report removed from Outa's website. It was Khoza's second attempt after he wrote to Outa, through his attorneys, demanding the removal of the report shortly after it was published last year. The report, which was published in January 2024, exposed how Khoza and former Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, defrauded Nsfas through kickbacks from service providers. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Khoza did not respond to calls and messages. Khoza argued that Outa was no mere private party, and that the default common law position did not apply to it. Among others, he stated his argument as: In publishing its investigation reports, Outa reaches a wide audience, and therefore acts as a quasi-media organisation, and attracts similar duties to the recognised media, in particular the duty to allow implicated parties prior notice and an opportunity to comment, prior to publication. However, in its answering affidavit, Outa described itself as a non-profit civil action organisation supported and publicly funded by ordinary South Africans. Its mission includes challenging and taking action against maladministration and corruption, and, where possible, holding those responsible to account. The organisation added that as part of its work, it has investigated alleged maladministration in the administration of publicly funded bursaries and student accommodation by the Department of Education and Nsfas, the government-funded bursary and loan organization. 'Outa received recordings of a telephone conversation purportedly involving the applicant, duly investigated, and in January 2024, it published the article and impugned report,' read the papers. Outa added that the report contains accurate quotes from the recordings, and that it is truthful and has been published in the public interest. The court said the investigation did not determine anything, adding that it made prima facie findings of fact and provided them to the relevant authorities with recommendations on further action. 'None of the findings or recommendations contained in Outa's report are binding on anyone, and the police and National Prosecuting Authority will decide independently whether to investigate Outa's complaints or to prosecute anyone accused by Outa of wrongdoing,' read the judgment, which added that the organisation performs investigations and makes recommendations in its capacity as a private actor. Reflecting on the outcome, Outa's executive director of accountability, Advocate Stefanie Fick, said this judgment reinforces the principle that private actors, even those acting in the public interest, are not bound by the same procedural obligations as public entities. Fick said the judgment also protects the ability of civil society organisations to expose corruption without undue interference, while preserving the common-law remedies available to individuals who feel aggrieved by such publications. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
IOL News
20-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Court dismisses Khoza's bid to remove corruption report from Outa
The Johannesburg High Court has dismissed an application by the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) former chairperson, Ernest Khoza's application for the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) to remove a report implicating him in corruption. Image: File Former board chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas), Ernest Khoza, has lost a bid to challenge the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) to remove the report implicating him in corruption. This after the Johannesburg High Court dismissed his application for Outa to remove the report from its website. It was Khoza's second attempt after he wrote to Outa, through his attorneys, demanding the removal of the report shortly after it was published last year. The report, which was published in January 2024, exposed how Khoza and former Higher Education Minister, Blade Nzimande, defrauded Nsfas through kickbacks from service providers. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Khoza did not respond to calls and messages. But in his application, he sought for the court order to take the report down from its website and an order that he must be allowed to respond to the allegations. He also demanded that the report only be republished once this was completed to his satisfaction, adding that the republished report contain an accurate record of his responses to each allegation. Khoza argued that Outa was no mere private party, and that the default common law position did not apply to it. He stated his argument as follows: - Outa proclaims to the world that it exercises a public interest function. It undertakes quasi-public functions, which must attract commensurate public duties. - Although lacking any legal authority or mandate to do so, Outa purports to conduct investigations into allegations of malfeasance and corruption in the public sphere. - Outa holds itself out as following a fair investigation process, described on its website as its '5-step methodology', which includes investigations, engagement with those implicated, exposure of its findings to the public, mobilisation of public interest in the matter, and litigation aimed at achieving what it perceives as the appropriate remedy. - Outa seeks to convey the message that it follows a fair investigation process, and that its findings can therefore be trusted. This, in turn, creates a legitimate expectation on the part of a person implicated in wrongdoing in an Outa report to be heard prior to publication. - In publishing its investigation reports, Outa (a reputable organisation) reaches a wide audience, and therefore acts as a quasi-media organization, and attracts similar duties to the recognised media, in particular the duty to allow implicated parties prior notice and an opportunity to comment, prior to publication. - Section 8(2)(iii) and (iv) of the Constitution provides for the horizontal application of fundamental rights, and should be applied in the circumstances. In addition to the right of reply and fair process, the applicant asserts that his fundamental right to dignity includes the right to be heard and to preserve his reputation. However, in its answering affidavit, Outa described itself as a non-profit civil action organisation supported and publicly funded by ordinary South Africans. Its mission includes challenging and taking action against maladministration and corruption, and, where possible, holding those responsible to account. The organisation added that as part of its work, it has investigated alleged maladministration in the administration of publicly funded bursaries and student accommodation by the Department of Education and Nsfas, the government-funded bursary and loan organization. 'OUTA received recordings of a telephone conversation purportedly involving the applicant, duly investigated, and in January 2024, it published the article and impugned report,' read the papers. Outa added that the report contains accurate quotes from the recordings, and that it is truthful and has been published in the public interest. The court said the investigation did not determine anything, adding that it made prima facie findings of fact and provided them to the relevant authorities with recommendations on further action. 'None of the findings or recommendations contained in Outa's report are binding on anyone, and the police and National Prosecuting Authority will decide independently whether to investigate Outa's complaints or to prosecute anyone accused by Outa of wrongdoing,' read the judgment, which added that the organisation performs investigations and makes recommendations in its capacity as a private actor. Reflecting on the outcome, Outa's executive director of accountability, Advocate Stefanie Fick, said this judgment reinforces the principle that private actors, even those acting in the public interest, are not bound by the same procedural obligations as public entities. Fick said the judgment also protects the ability of civil society organisations to expose corruption without undue interference, while preserving the common-law remedies available to individuals who feel aggrieved by such publications.
The Citizen
01-07-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Will Ramaphosa act? DA lays criminal charges against perjury-accused Nkabane
The DA has accused Ramaphosa of having double standards by failing to take action against corruption-accused ministers. Pressure is mounting on President Cyril Ramaphosa to take action against Minister of Higher Education, Nobuhle Nkabane. Ramaphosa's government of national unity partner, the DA, has filed criminal charges against Nkabane at the Cape Town Police Station. Nkabane is accused of lying to parliament and being involved in alleged corruption linked to the Sector Education & Training Authority (Seta) boards. DA spokesperson and member of the portfolio committee on higher education and training, Karabo Khakhau, accused Nkabane of lying to parliament to protect the appointments of ANC-linked individuals to various Seta boards. 'Minister Nkabane told parliament that the appointment process was overseen by an 'independent' evaluation panel. However, it has now been exposed that the so-called panel was stacked with individuals from her own department and political allies, including her chief of staff and an ANC Youth League leader,' said Khakhau. Nkabane is also accused of attempting to conceal her alleged corrupt activities. This comes after Terry Motau SC denied being part of an advisory panel that oversaw these appointments. 'This is a claim he (Motau) has unequivocally denied in writing. He made it clear he had no knowledge of, nor participated in, the process,' she said. Khakhau said Nkabane has broken the law and violated her oath of office. 'The DA will not stand by while ministers who lie, manipulate processes, and protect ANC cronies remain in office,' she said. DA boycotts Nkabane's budget vote As a result, the DA said it will not support the budget of the Department of Higher Education and Training. The party is also expected to vote against the budgets of departments headed by other corruption-accused ANC ministers. 'We will use every legal and parliamentary tool at our disposal to root out this rot from government,' Khakhau said. Nkabane accused of incompetence Meanwhile, the South African Students Congress (Sasco) has called for Nkabane's resignation. They accused her of lacking ethical leadership and incompetence. The organisation also questioned her failure to ensure the appointment of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) board. ALSO READ: Minister's misstep demands accountability The EFF has also complained about irregular financial activities at Nsfas. They have written to the acting CEO complaining about some irregular payments. 'Given that Nsfas spends over R14 billion on student accommodation, a figure that will undoubtedly grow, it is outrageous that hundreds of millions, if not billions of rands, could be diverted to a handful of companies without ethical and transparent processes or regulatory oversight,' the party said. Analyst weighs in Political analyst Theo Neethling told The Citizen that Ramaphosa is under immense pressure to act on several complaints against Nkabane. 'The South African Students Federation (SASF) accused the minister of undermining public trust and failing to serve the interests of students. 'The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has echoed these calls, stating that Minister Nkabane is unfit to serve in her current role. 'With multiple political and civil society actors joining the chorus of criticism, both Minister Nkabane and President Ramaphosa now face mounting pressure from several quarters,' he said. The Citizen contacted Nkabane's office for comment but received no response by the time of publication. This story will be updated once a response is received. NOW READ: 'A lying minister in Cabinet': Why has Ramaphosa not fired Nkabane?
