Professor Hlengani Mathebula, administrator of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), has denied allegations that he appointed four technical advisers at an annual cost of R10 million.Mathebula stated he has not received any remuneration since taking office in May, asserting that his appointments comply with the NSFAS Act.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has called for a parliamentary investigation, arguing that the appointments lacked necessary approvals from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

EFF MP Sihle Lonzi requested confirmation from National Treasury regarding approvals under Section 17C of the NSFAS Act, questioning the legality of the expenditures.Mathebula defended his decisions, claiming they align with SARS policies and that the administration's structure aims to reduce costs.NSFAS spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi emphasized that the appointments were lawful and part of efforts to restore stability to the student funding scheme.The controversy highlights tensions between government accountability and administrative efficiency in managing public funds for students.