NSFAS calls for criminal charges after former UJ director ordered to pay R18.18 million

A senior official with South Africa's National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has been found to have spent over R110,000 on hotel stays and other expenses during a period when students funded by the agency are struggling with insufficient financial support. The revelations come amid growing concerns among university students about the adequacy of their monthly stipends. In late May 2026, NSFAS Administrator Hlengani Mathebula was recorded as staying at two different luxury hotels in Cape Town simultaneously. One invoice shows R9,200 for four nights at the Pepperclub Hotel and Spa, while another shows R14,850 for a luxury suite at the Westin for three of the same nights. According to documents obtained, these bookings occurred during a peak travel season when hotels were reportedly fully booked due to budget vote season. NSFAS explained that a previous booking at the Pepperclub could not be cancelled due to unspecified health reasons, though they did not specify who was affected by these health issues. The agency further stated that such situations are classified as fruitless and wasteful expenditure under Treasury guidelines, which require the individual responsible to personally cover the costs. However, NSFAS indicated that Mathebula would not be held financially accountable for the expense. Beyond these initial bookings, Mathebula was accommodated at a private holiday estate in Cape Town for 49 nights between mid-June and early August, costing R86,811.67. When questioned about the rationale behind choosing a holiday estate for such an extended stay, NSFAS declined to provide an explanation. They instead emphasized that Mathebula's administration is the leanest in terms of both staffing and expenditure compared to previous administrations. Despite claims of fiscal restraint, Mathebula has appointed four advisors, whose combined annual salary amounts to nearly R10 million. NSFAS defended these appointments, stating that Mathebula took his first month to assess his needs before hiring each advisor individually. They pointed out that previous leadership structures were more costly, with one technical support team running at R19.6 million annually and the former board's committees costing R31 million. Meanwhile, students receiving financial assistance through NSFAS are grappling with a monthly stipend of R1,716. Many find this amount insufficient to cover basic necessities, leading some to skip meals or rely on savings. Others send portions of their stipend back home. The national students' union has criticized the allowance as grossly inadequate, noting that many students walk long distances to avoid transportation costs and go without essential academic materials to ensure they can afford food. When asked if there are plans to increase the allowance, NSFAS did not provide a response. The agency maintains that all of Mathebula's travel and accommodation expenses were reasonably priced and that his administration represents the most cost-effective structure NSFAS has ever had. However, the disparity between the financial realities faced by students and the expenditures of their administrator has raised questions about the allocation of resources within the organization. Students continue to call for increased financial support, highlighting the challenges they face in meeting their basic needs. As discussions around the adequacy of student funding persist, the contrast between administrative spending and student hardship remains a point of contention.