NSFAS board expresses confidence in new higher education leadership
Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela.
Image: Kopano Tlape / GCIS
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board says Higher Education and Training Minister Bhuti Manamela's leadership and Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube’s experience will contribute to the betterment of the sector.
The board made the statements when congratulating Manamela and Dube-Ncube on their appointments.
“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. We look forward to collaborating closely with the Minister to advance accessible, high-quality higher education for all South Africans,” NSFAS said in a statement.
“The board also congratulates Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube on her appointment as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training. Her extensive experience and unwavering dedication will undoubtedly enhance the ministry’s efforts to support learners and institutions nationwide.”
Western Cape High Court Judge President Nolwazi Penelope Mabindla-Boqwana conducts the swearing-in of newly-appointed Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
Image: Kopano Tlape / GCIS
NSFAS said it is committed to supporting the ministry’s and government’s vision for higher education transformation. This is achieved by providing innovative funding solutions and inclusive policies, thereby improving access and quality in the sector as a key national partner.
It said the board looks forward to collaborating with Minister Manamela and Deputy Minister Dube-Ncube to further these important goals.
Manamela and Dube-Ncube’s appointment comes after the sacking of former Higher Education and Training minister Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane.
On Monday, Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said President Cyril Ramaphosa removed Nkabane from the role of Minister of Higher Education and Training and has, in terms of Section 91(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, appointed Manamela as Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Additionally, Ramaphosa, in accordance with Section 93(b) of the Constitution, appointed Dube-Ncube as Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training.
Nkabane has been criticised for her decision-making and higher education policies.
Speaking to eNCA earlier this week, Nkabane said Ramaphosa called her on Monday and told her about his decision.
“All signs were there…that there are some forces on the ground that want me out of the system,” she said.
“To be honest, I am not even shocked, and I have just accepted the dismissal because the president, in terms of the Constitutional prerogative, has powers and functions. According to Section 91(2), he has the right to appoint and dismiss the deputy president, ministers, and deputy ministers..”
“So, I accept the dismissal by the president and I take it positively, and I feel I have been honoured to have been entrusted with such a huge responsibility to lead the Department of Higher Education and Training, and post-school education and the training system entirely.”
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za