In Conversation with Hendrick Makaneta – Education Activist

The future of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains a major concern for thousands of students across South Africa. For years, the institution has faced allegations of governance failures, administrative inefficiencies, delayed payments, accommodation disputes, and ongoing leadership instability. Recently, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela took the controversial step of dissolving the NSFAS board and placing the organisation under administration. The move has sparked debate among political parties, student organisations, and education stakeholders, with some arguing that stronger oversight is needed while others believe the intervention is necessary to restore stability. Education activist Hendrick Makaneta has now called on Parliament to allow Minister Manamela the opportunity to implement corrective measures before drawing conclusions about the intervention’s success or failure. He argues that students are the ones most affected whenever NSFAS experiences instability, particularly when funding decisions, accommodation payments, and allowances are delayed. The discussion raises broader questions about accountability, governance, political oversight, and whether the current intervention can finally address the long-standing challenges that have plagued one of South Africa’s most important student support institutions. Instagram · Twitter