ZAProfessor Hlengani Mathebula, administrator of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), has denied allegations that he and his four technical advisers have incurred significant costs, including approximately R10 million annually for the advisers and R200,000 in accommodation and travel expenses within a month of his appointment. Mathebula stated he has not yet received any remuneration since taking office and emphasized that the advisers are independent contractors appointed under the NSFAS Act with proper authorization. He also defended past approvals he signed while working at SARS, stating they were in line with organizational policies. Opposition member Sihle Lonzi from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for an investigation into the remuneration and accused the NSFAS administration of misusing public funds, describing the situation as a costly scandal.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both the defense from NSFAS administrator Mathebula and the criticisms from EFF MP Sihle Lonzi. The framing remains balanced between the official stance and the opposition's concerns, without clear ideological leaning toward either side. The language does not exhibit strong slan
