
Blade Nzimande
Blade Nzimande, Higher Education Minister, stands firm against calls for his resignation despite mounting pressure (Picture courtesy: @Minister Blade Nzimande (X) Twitter)
(The Post News) – Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, strongly refuses the growing calls for him to resign. The reason behind these calls is primarily related to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), where there have been delays in providing student allowances and allegations of corruption.
Political parties, student organisations, and civil groups are united in demanding accountability, with many urging Nzimande to step down immediately, citing his failure to promptly address NSFAS-related issues. They highlight systemic failures and allegations of corruption, urging swift action to tackle the crisis affecting South Africa’s education system. However, Nzimande dismisses these demands as political tactics, stressing his role in significantly expanding NSFAS into a R50 billion operation.
Despite the dissolution of the NSFAS board and the resignation of its chairperson, Ernest Khoza, students remain unsatisfied. They argue that Nzimande must take responsibility for the systemic failures and corruption allegations within the institution. Lawrence Manaka, convenor of RISE Mzansi Youth and Student Chapters, highlighted in a media statement that under Nzimande’s leadership, NSFAS has become a platform for corruption.
For years, students have suffered due to Nzimande’s poor management, enduring hunger, homelessness, and despair as they pursue their academic dreams. This paints a bleak picture of the consequences of administrative failures and accusations of wrongdoing.
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) recently disclosed that around R5.1 billion of NSFAS funds were wrongly used to support students who were not eligible for financial aid. This revelation has intensified demands for Nzimande’s resignation. The EFF Student Command in the North West expressed the same sentiment, highlighting the pervasive mismanagement and corruption within NSFAS. They urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to relieve Minister Blade Nzimande of his responsibilities, pointing out the unstable relationship between ANC, Cosatu, and SACP.
Speaking at a press conference in Pretoria on Sunday, April 14th, 2024, Nzimande discussed the dissolution of the NSFAS board and the decision to place the institution under administration. He questioned, “Who is asking for my resignation? The DA? The EFF? This new group, the MK party? I was not appointed by any of them. So, why should I resign?” He made it clear that he would not step down unless requested by the DA, which he considered unlikely. Minister Nzimande emphasized his innocence regarding corruption allegations and expressed his intention to challenge them legally, as he believed there was no valid reason to resign.
It wasn’t just political parties calling for Nzimande’s resignation. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) also joined the chorus, insisting that if the minister didn’t step down, President Cyril Ramaphosa should take decisive action. OUTA recently released a report alleging that both Nzimande and former NSFAS board chairperson Ernest Khosa received kickbacks from service providers linked to NSFAS. The breakdown of the allowance payment system is at the heart of the crisis. Leaked recordings have surfaced with serious corruption allegations against Nzimande and Khosa. Although both deny the accusations, the situation remains critical. An investigation by TGR Attorneys, commissioned by the outgoing NSFAS board, is nearing completion.
TGR Attorneys, commissioned by the outgoing NSFAS board, are currently investigating allegations of corruption. Their report will be handed over to the newly appointed NSFAS administrator, Sithembiso Freeman Nomvalo, introduced by Nzimande last Friday. Nomvalo, previously the CEO of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica), will be responsible for managing and overseeing NSFAS for the next two years.
The future of universities and technical and vocational education and training colleges is uncertain. Students are eagerly awaiting quick action to revamp NSFAS and guarantee fair access to education for every South African student.