Among the first things that Blade Nzimande did at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) when he returned for his second stint as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in May 2019 was deploy two of his trusted cadres as the CEO and chairperson of the board.
Andile Nongogo was appointed CEO and Ernest Khosa chairperson of the board. Nzimande knew both well, as he had appointed them in positions of responsibility before.
In the past, they had shown that they were happy to play fast and loose with public money.