Dr Karen Stander resigns as NSFAS Chairperson amid serious bullying, intimidation and more allegations
The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has confirmed the resignation of Dr Karen Stander as Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board.
According to a statement posted by the South African government, Manamela has received and formally acknowledged Dr Stander’s resignation letter, which contains serious allegations regarding the governance environment at NSFAS, including claims of bullying, intimidation, racism, and threats to personal safety.
The Minister said he will meet with Dr Stander to discuss the issues raised “directly and in detail.”
Manamela also confirmed that a previously scheduled meeting with the entire NSFAS board will go ahead as planned on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, to continue engagement with the institution’s leadership on issues of governance, accountability, and organisational culture.
“I am deeply concerned by the gravity of the issues raised by Dr Stander. These matters warrant serious attention, and I will engage thoroughly before determining the necessary course of action.
“NSFAS plays a vital role in expanding access to higher education, and we must ensure that it operates in a manner that is ethical, transparent and accountable,” Manamela said.
The Minister reaffirmed the department’s commitment to support NSFAS in fulfilling its core mandate, which is to serve students effectively and ensuring that public resources are managed with integrity.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie, also noted the resignation of Dr Stander.
Letsie said the committee was shocked to learn of Dr Stander’s resignation.
However, he reiterated that he respects her decision and acknowledges the reasons she outlined in her resignation letter, which include concerns about the governance environment within the institution.
“The committee appreciates her service and the commitment she demonstrated in steering NSFAS through a challenging period marked by the implementation of critical reforms to strengthen accountability and efficiency. We are saddened that this has happened rather so soon, this board was constituted this year with Dr Stander entrusted with steering it and her concerns should be taken seriously,” said Letsie.
Letsie said her reflections highlight the urgency of stability and effective governance within NSFAS to ensure that the scheme continues to deliver on its mandate of providing equitable access to higher education for deserving students.
“The committee will engage the Department of Higher Education and Training and the remaining NSFAS Board members to understand the implications of this resignation and the measures being put in place to ensure continuity and institutional stability,” he added.
The committee thanked Dr Stander for her contribution and wished her well in her future endeavours.
The department said further communication will follow after Manamela’s engagements with Dr Stander and the full NSFAS board.
