NSFAS Announces New Acting CEO

NSFAS Announces New Acting CEO. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has taken a significant step in strengthening its leadership by appointing a new acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The NSFAS board recently announced the appointment of Tashmia Ismail Carrim, a seasoned financial expert with a wealth of experience in youth development and financial management.

Proven Leader for a Critical Role

NSFAS board chairperson Karen Stander expressed confidence in Carrim’s leadership, citing his impressive track record at the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). With extensive experience in the public finance sector, Carrim is well-positioned to steer NSFAS during its transitional phase.

According to Stander, the board believes that Carrim’s expertise will provide the necessary stability and leadership to transform NSFAS into an institution that aligns with international best practices in student funding.

Strong Financial Background

Carrim brings with him a strong background in financial management and strategic leadership. Currently serving as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at NSFAS, he has previously held the positions of CEO and CFO at NYDA. His leadership at NYDA resulted in nine consecutive clean audit reports, demonstrating his ability to enforce transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline. Additionally, under his leadership, the NYDA’s budget expanded from R400 million to R1.5 billion, underscoring his capacity to drive financial growth.

Highly Qualified Professional

As a Chartered Accountant (CA) with two master’s degrees, Carrim’s academic and professional credentials make him a valuable asset to NSFAS. Beyond his role at NSFAS, he also serves as a board member of the Small Enterprise Finance Development Agency (SEFDA) and the Unisa Enterprise, showcasing his commitment to the broader financial and educational ecosystem in South Africa.

Strategic Vision for the Future

Carrim’s appointment comes after the completion of Freeman Nomvalo’s term as NSFAS administrator. Moving forward, he will not only manage the scheme’s day-to-day operations but will also work closely with the board to develop and implement a long-term strategic vision for the institution. His deep understanding of state-owned enterprise (SOE) operations is expected to play a crucial role in positioning NSFAS as a leading student financial aid provider.

Commitment to Youth Development and Growth

Stander emphasized that Carrim’s unwavering dedication to youth empowerment and financial sustainability made him the ideal candidate for the position. His expertise in turnaround strategies, demonstrated through his leadership at NYDA, will be instrumental in enhancing NSFAS’s efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.

With this appointment, NSFAS aims to continue its mission of supporting financially disadvantaged students while ensuring that the scheme operates with integrity, transparency, and excellence.

Conclusion

As NSFAS transitions into a new phase, stakeholders—including students, educational institutions, and policymakers—can expect a more structured, innovative, and results-driven approach under Carrim’s leadership. His appointment signals a commitment to continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability, ensuring that NSFAS remains a cornerstone in facilitating higher education access for South African students.