Namibia Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) is set to undergo major transformations, if a piece of legislation being pushed by the line minister, and gaining traction in the National Assembly is anything to go by.  
Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, has tabled the Namibia Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) Amendment Bill in Parliament. The proposed legislation seeks to formally reintegrate NSFAF into the Ministry of Higher Education, aligning with a 2021 Cabinet decision
Higher Education, Training, and Innovation Minister Itah Kandji-Murangi revealed that NSFAF, which became a juristic entity in 2013, has faced both successes and setbacks since its separation from the ministry.
While the automation of the application process has been one of the key achievements, the minister highlighted persistent issues such as a bloated and costly executive structure, recurring financial accountability problems, and stagnant efforts to recover funds.
“The reintegration process will streamline operations, increase accountability, and enhance control over the fund’s activities,” Kandji-Murangi explained.
“The NSFAF Amendment Bill, which will formalize this reintegration, aims to divest NSFAF of its juristic personality and place it as a department under the ministry,” she added.
According to the minister, consultative meetings involving key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Prime Minister, student leaders, and various student associations, were held to pave the way for the reintegration.
She further mentioned NSFAF will also see changes in its governance structure, with its board being renamed the NSFAF Selection and Advisory Board, chaired by the ministry’s executive director.
Kandji-Murangi stated the changes are expected to address several critical issues, including the expansion of the Fund into a more inclusive and comprehensive fund, the creation of a readily accessible database for tertiary education students, and the introduction of different funding options.
The minister further emphasized that the fund would be “ring-fenced” to ensure its sustainability, and efforts would be made to improve its financial accountability through regular audits.
In addition to these reforms, Kandji-Murangi stressed that the reintegration would pave the way for the development of a one-stop-shop for national human capital education, training, and financing, aimed at better serving Namibia’s tertiary education sector.

IN SUPPORT

Parliamentarian Phillipus Katamelo and Deputy Minister of Sport, Youth and National Services, Emma Kantema-Goamas, also support the motion (the Bill).
Katamelo said the reintegration of NSFAF back to the ministry will ensure accountability and justice of the Fund.
Kantema-Goamas noted students’ requests seeking financial support to register at institutions since they were not awarded NSFAF loans.
“I hope this will assist many students,” she stated. Kantema-Goamas also suggested that the Bill should ensure that the training through NSFAF is done based on the job market demand.
Swapo’s Veiko Nekundi also backed the proposed legislation, citing that this will go a long way in curbing perceived corrupt practices and allegation of nepotism.   
“These are claims where government employees, for example are favoured for funding at the detriment of others,” he stressed.
Many other Parliamentarians also support the Bill, stressing that it will bring positive changes.