The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has announced the appointment of Waseem Carrim as its acting CEO, effective immediately. His appointment follows the conclusion of the term served by former administrator Freeman Nomvalo. With a strong background in financial management and leadership, Carrim is expected to guide NSFAS through its transitional period. The board has expressed confidence in his ability to stabilise the organisation and drive it towards becoming a globally recognised benchmark in student funding.
Carrim brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as both CFO and CEO of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in securing nine consecutive clean audit reports and significantly increasing the agency’s budget from R400 million to R1.5 billion. Currently serving as NSFAS’s CFO, he is well-versed in the organisation’s financial operations and governance structures. He holds Chartered Accountant qualifications and two master’s degrees and is a board member of both the Small Enterprise Finance Development Agency and the Unisa Enterprise. His expertise in managing state-owned enterprises and his commitment to youth development make him a strategic choice for leading NSFAS during this critical phase.
Beyond overseeing daily operations, Carrim will work closely with the NSFAS board to refine the organisation’s long-term strategy. His leadership is expected to ensure financial sustainability, improve service delivery, and enhance the scheme’s value for students and stakeholders. The board has highlighted his ability to implement meaningful reforms and introduce innovative solutions, much like he did at the NYDA. As NSFAS embarks on this new chapter, Carrim’s appointment signals a focused effort to strengthen its operations and secure its future as a key pillar in South Africa’s higher education funding landscape.