The University of South Africa (UNISA) has described Dr Karen Stander’s appointment as chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) board as an indication that its staff and graduates are among the sought after industry leaders in the country and beyond.
Dr Stander, a senior lecturer in UNISA’s College of Economic and Management Sciences, was appointed by Higher Education Minister Dr Nobuhle Pamela Nkabane to lead the embattled NSFAS for a four-year term starting 1 February 2025.
She has over 13 years of experience in academia and holds a PhD in Business Management from the University of Pretoria.
NSFAS is an entry of the Department of Higher Education that provides financial support to students from poor and working-class families studying at public universities or Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
It has been hit by one crisis after the other over the past 10 years, resulting in the fees must fall student protests in 2016. Recently, NSFAS was accused of failing to settle payments, disrupting the students’ academic progress and opening them to exploitation by some landlords.
In her new role, Dr Stander will oversee the implementation of the financial aid scheme in line with the South African Constitution, a role she considers a privilege.
“It is a great privilege to contribute to the future of many South Africans through this role,” Dr Stander said. “I draw strength from the writings of Zerubbabel, which remind us that before the final stone can be laid, the first one must be placed.” emphasising the need for strong foundations in education.
UNISA said Dr Stander’s appointment highlighted the institution’s reputation as the home of leaders across all sectors of society.
“This appointment is an affirmation that Unisa is indeed the university of leaders. Dr Stander joins a list of the many Unisa academics, officials and graduates who are entrusted with leadership responsibilities at organisations here at home and abroad. The university is very proud of her and wishes her well in this role at the helm of one of the critical institutions in the higher education space”, said Unisa Spokesperson, Professor BB Senokoane.
Professor Senokoane said Dr Stander was known for her passion for education and student development. Her work has earned her awards such as the 2019 CEMS Community Engagement Award, the 2020 Unisa Teaching and Learning Award, and the 2023 EDHE Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Award.
In a letter signed on 15 February and published on 18 February 2025, Minister Nkabane confirmed Dr Stander’s appointment alongside 11 other board members.
These include Ms Ndileka Loyilane, Mr. Richard Ramashia, Adv. Lavandran GoPaul, Ms. Philisiwe Sibiya, Ms. Clarida Simpson, Ms. Prishka Mahesh, Dr. Siyanda Mngadi, Ms. Karabo Mohale, Dr. Johanna Maphutha, Dr. Mugwena Maluleke, and Dr. Marcia Socikwa.
