MEET the acting NSFAS chair appointed in Khosa’s absence
Meet Professor Lourens Van Staden, the man inserted as acting NSFAS chair by Higher Education, Blade Nzimande. He’s got a tough task in 2024.
It’s been a rough start to the year for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme, but the placement of an acting NSFAS chair will hopefully smooth the way for students in 2024.
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Announced yesterday by embattled Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande, Professor Lourens van Staden will take over as acting NSFAS chair after Ernest Khosa took a leave of absence amid corruption allegations.
MEET THE ACTING NSFAS CHAIR
According to Universities South Africa, Professor Van Staden has occupied the position of Vice-Chancellor of Tshwane University of Technology for the last decade. He also served on numerous University Councils and National Boards and was the Chairperson of the Walter Sisulu University Council.
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The NSFAS is facing an unprecedented uproar at the start of 2024. This comes after the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) published tapes that implicate Minister Nzimande and Ernest Khosa in a kickback scheme from NSFAS service providers. In response, the SA Union of Students (SAUS) vowed to make a ‘revolutionary visit’ to NSFAS headquarters if all outstanding NSFAS payments weren’t forthcoming by today (Monday 15 January 2024).
SMOOTH SAILING IN 2024?
EWN reports that the Minister appointed Van Staden as acting chief to ensure the academic year starts off smoothly. He said he was prioritising NSFAS readiness for the year ahead, as well as the hiring of a new NSFAS CEO after Andile Nongogo was dismissed last year.
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Professor Lourens Van Staden sounds like he will have his work cut out for him as acting NSFAS chair. He is also empowered to implement recommendations made by Werkmans Attorneys after investigation into widespread NSFAS mismanagement.