PRETORIA - The Department of Higher Educations is looking at the available legal remedies and the appropriate steps to be taken after the high court ordered the appointment of NSFAS administrator to be suspended pending full review of the decision.
The department's spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat said Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, is giving the judgment urgent consideration and has sought legal advice on its implications.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria on Friday granted interim relief, suspending the appointment of newly appointed Professor Hlengani Mathebula
It also directed that the former Board members to resume the management, governance and administration of NSFAS in the interim.
The ruling has now prompted the Department of Higher Education to consider the next steps.
The department will take all necessary steps to ensure the continued effective functioning of NSFAS and, above all, that there is no disruption to student funding and other critical NSFAS functions.”
Math was appointed as administrator of NSFAS in May following a long process of engagement, legal assessment, governance intervention, and consideration of alternatives.
At the time Manamela said concerns around the constitution of the NSFAS board had already surfaced when Mathebula assumed office.