NSFAS Board Chair resigns amid shocking claims of bullying, racism and intimidation

Mapaballo Borotho

NSFAS Board Chair Dr Karen Stander has resigned, citing bullying, racism, intimidation, and threats to her safety.
Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela confirmed the resignation and plans to meet with Stander to discuss the allegations.
The Minister says his department will ensure NSFAS upholds transparency, ethics, and accountability in its operations.

The Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board, Dr Karen Stander, has reportedly resigned from the institution due to allegations of bullying, intimidation, racism, and threats to her personal safety.

This was confirmed on Monday by the Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela.

“Dr Stander’s letter of resignation raises serious allegations regarding the governance environment at NSFAS, including claims of bullying, intimidation, racism, and threats to personal safety,” said Manamela.

The Minister is set to meet with Dr Stander on Monday, 03 November 2025, to discuss these matters directly and in detail.

Furthermore, a previously scheduled meeting with the entire NSFAS Board will go ahead as planned on Wednesday, 05 November, where the Minister will continue to engage the institution’s leadership on issues of governance, accountability, and organisational culture.

Manamela assured that his department remains committed to supporting NSFAS in fulfilling its core mandate, to serve South African students and ensure that public resources are managed with integrity.

“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,” said Minister Manamela.