New NSFAF board will clean up

A new board of directors has been appointed to clean up the troubled image of the Namibia Students' Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) and to transform it as it plans to return, as a directorate, under the wing of the higher education ministry,
Higher education ministwe Itah Kandjii-Murangi this morning announced the board that will be chaired by the communications chief of the Development Bank of Namibia, Jerome Mutumba, deputised by philanthropist businesswoman Christina Swart-Opperman.
The minister yesterday stated that it will take time and certain processes need to take place before the fund can eventually be part of the ministry.
“The fund was established by an act of parliament and we will have to look at repealing the law. And these things cannot be done instantaneously,” she said.
The minister yesterday repeated that the board’s mandate is to prove clear, effective guidance and leadership to the affairs of NSFAF.
She also said the board will ensure that the transformative processes at the fund do not negatively affect service delivery.
“The board must take correct and decisive actions to improve NSFAF governance, service delivery and restore students, parents, staff and public trust in the fund,” she said.
The other members are business transformation expert Stephen Tjiuoro, Abner Ananias, Adda Angula, Natascha Cheikhyoussef, Isak Neema and Tulimeke Munyika.
Most of the board members have a legal background.
The board will serve for a period of three years.
JEMIMA BEUKES