National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Co-opted Board Member Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is seeking applications from highly qualified and experienced individuals for three co-opted positions on its Board. These roles are critical for strengthening the Board's capacity in financial management, governance, and fiduciary oversight.

These co-opted members will contribute specialist expertise, ensuring robust strategic oversight, risk management, and effective governance of the Scheme, in line with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act.

Minimum Requirements

To be considered for these Board positions, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A postgraduate qualification in Financial Management, Accounting, Auditing, Finance, or a related field, or current CA(SA) status.
• At least 5 years of relevant senior management, executive, or Board-level experience in finance, accounting, auditing, risk management, investment management, or a related field.
• Demonstrable expertise in public-sector financial management and governance, with a clear understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and applicable Treasury Regulations.
• A proven track record in financial oversight, risk management, auditing, accounting, investment management, and/or organisational governance.
• At least 3 years of experience serving on a Board and/or an Audit and Risk Committee or Finance Committee.
• Knowledge and understanding of the higher education and student funding environment will be considered an advantage.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidates will be expected to:

• Provide strategic oversight and contribute to the effective governance of NSFAS.
• Offer specialist financial and fiduciary oversight.
• Exercise independent judgement in the best interests of NSFAS.
• Oversee and monitor financial, audit, risk, and compliance matters within the Board's mandate.
• Participate actively in Board meetings and relevant Board Committees, such as the Audit and Risk Committee or the Finance Committee.

What the Work Involves

These high-level roles involve providing expert guidance and oversight at a strategic level within NSFAS, located in Cape Town. Day-to-day work will include active participation in Board meetings and specialised committees like the Audit and Risk Committee or the Finance Committee. The focus will be on reviewing, guiding, and monitoring financial health, audit processes, risk management strategies, and overall compliance to ensure NSFAS operates effectively and responsibly within its mandate.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted electronically via email by the closing date.

Closing Date: 8 September 2026 at 17h00

Submission Details:

Please email your complete application package to: boardnominations@nsfas.org.za

Ensure the subject line of your email is: "NSFAS Board Application – Co-opted Board Member: Financial Expertise"

Your application package must include:

• A comprehensive and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae (CV) that clearly shows your qualifications, experience, and relevant governance responsibilities.
• Certified copies of all relevant qualifications and your Identity Document (ID).
• At least two professional reference letters.
• A declaration of any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest, including any business, financial, professional, or other interests that may conflict with the responsibilities of a Board member.