More than 53,000 students applied for NSFAS missing-middle loans in 2026, but only 3,102 were deemed eligible. The low eligibility rate highlights ongoing difficulties in processing applications and allocating funds. Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela has acknowledged these challenges and is working on a sustainable student funding model.
A Pretoria High Court ruling has ordered Manamela to reinstate the disbanded NSFAS board. The court found his decision to appoint Professor Hlengani Mathebula as administrator irrational. The court also instructed that Mathebula must stop acting as administrator and that former board members should resume their roles immediately.
The legal action comes as the NSFAS struggles with administrative changes and funding gaps. The court’s decision may lead to a restructuring of the organization’s leadership. The government is under pressure to improve access to student finance while addressing governance issues.
The situation reflects broader concerns about student financial support in South Africa. With many students unable to secure funding, the government faces growing scrutiny over its ability to meet educational needs.
