NSFAS Acting CEO Waseem Carrim Resigns
Waseem Carrim is stepping down as acting CEO of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme to lead the Road Accident Fund.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in People
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Waseem Carrim has resigned from his post as acting CEO of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme after an 18-month tenure. He will transition into a new role as the head of the Road Accident Fund.
Why it matters
Carrim served as acting CEO during a period of significant leadership turnover, navigating the agency through a financial crisis after it was placed under administration.
During Carrim's 18-month tenure, the scheme saw two different ministers, three board chairpersons, and three acting CFOs. Additionally, six board members resigned throughout the same period.
The players
Waseem Carrim
He is an executive who previously served as the acting CEO of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme.
Nobuhle Nkabane
She is a government minister who appointed Waseem Carrim to his acting CEO role in March 2025.
Hlengani Mathebula
He is an administrator who oversaw the National Student Financial Aid Scheme while Carrim served as CFO.
The details
Carrim previously served as CFO under administrator Hlengani Mathebula following the decision to place the organisation under administration. His primary mandate during this time was to steer the scheme through a persistent financial crisis.
Timeline
Waseem Carrim was appointed acting CEO of NSFAS in March 2025.
Carrim resigned as acting CEO of NSFAS in October 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership departure reflects the ongoing volatility within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme following its placement under administration. The frequent turnover in executive and board positions highlights the agency's struggle to stabilise its governance structure.
The transition of leadership at the national funding scheme could impact the efficiency of financial aid disbursements for students across the country. Stakeholders should monitor official updates to see how the change affects service delivery and administrative stability.
The takeaway
The move of an acting CEO to a new government department underscores the high demand for crisis-management experience in South African public entities. Leadership changes are often signals that an organisation is beginning a new phase of its turnaround strategy.
Further reading
For more on changes in key leadership roles, visit the People section.
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