NSFAS administrator ‘living large’ without Godongwana’s approval

‘Why is the president allowing Mathebula to plunder like this’

- By Mawande AmaShabalala

National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) administrator Professor Hlengani Mathebula has been spending public funds without the approval of finance minister Enoch Godongwana as stipulated in statutes governing the post he occupies.

Sunday World has learned that Mathebula has sought the services of four technical advisors, who are costing the taxpayer about R10-million per year. His luxury accommodation and travel expenses, totalling R200000 in just over a month since his appointment, have also been flagged.

All this has been happening without the greenlight from Godongwana and in contravention of the NSFAS Act.

Chapter two, section 17C of the Act states: “The minister (Manamela), with the approval of the minister of finance (Godongwana), may determine the remuneration and allowances to be paid to the administrator and to any other person appointed in terms of section 17B.”

Buti Manamela’s spokesperson Matshepo Seedat has confirmed that Godongwana has not approved.

“We have to wait for the approval of the Minister of finance (Godongwana). The approval was requested after lengthy discussions within the department and with the Administrator on the remuneration of the Administrator,” she said.