Student financial aids have welcomed the new Minister of Higher Education under the government of national unity in the seventh administration. 

Dr Nobuhle Nkabane (44) was sworn in on Wednesday (3/7) and took over from Blade Nzimande who was in the position from 2019 to 2024.

Nkabane served as the deputy minister of Mineral Resources and Energy from 2021 until 2024 under President Cyril Ramaphosa. Before she became a deputy minister she was employed as a tutor at Unisa.

Newly appointed Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane. Picture: Wikipedia

“The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme Foundation NPC (ISFAP) welcomes the appointment and subsequent swearing-in of Dr Nobuhle Nkabane as the new Minister of Higher Education,” said ISFAP Executive Programme Manager Martin Mukwevho.

“We congratulate Minister Nkabane and look forward to engaging with her in critical issues surrounding higher education in South Africa specifically the funding of the poor and the missing middle students.”

 “Currently, ISFAP is processing over 8 000 applications for funding for the 2025 academic year. The high volume of applications we’ve received indicates that young South Africans are eager to improve their lives and those of their families through education,” he said.

ISFAP welcomes the new Minister of Higher Education. Picture: isfap.org.za

IOL reports students and academics alike have high expectations of Nkabane as she takes on her new position, with hopes for significant reforms that will tackle long-standing issues and create a fairer and encouraging higher education environment in South Africa.

Reflecting on the challenges faced by students last year (2023), particularly with the introduction of new payment methods by NSFAS, a student expressed hope for improved systems under Minister Nkabane’s leadership.

“I hope the new minister will improve funding for NSFAS students, especially those in postgraduate programmes, by introducing a more supportive system that benefits them,” he said.

OFM tried to reach the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi, and no response was received.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh