By: Sihle Makhowana

Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande has announced Sizwe Nxasana as the new chairperson for the National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The appointment of Nxasana as chairperson has brought hope to students who have been battling to get funding from the financial aid scheme.

Some students from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) have shared their happiness about Nxasana’s appointment with many saying the Minister did the right thing by bringing
in a person with a financial background.

“I praise the minister for appointing a person who is well clued up about finance and has wealth of experience in the financial sector. We are tired of engaging in violent protests and
missing out on classes due to NSFAS problems.

I hope to see many students being financed next year,” said Sfundo Mngadi, a university student.

“I think Nxasana’s appointment will help eradicate corruption in NSFAS, corruption that has seen our brothers and sisters miss out on opportunities to enter universities and colleges,”
said Jabulani Gumede, a DUT student.

Nxasana will serve a four year term as the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) chairperson, replacing Zamayedwa Sogayise whose term ended earlier this year.