SIU Probes NSFAS Corruption, Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande Welcomes Investigations

• Higher education minister Blade Nzimande says his department is prepared to cooperate with the SIU's investigation into NSFAS
• President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the SIU to probe allegations of fraud and corruption in the student financial scheme
• Nzimande warned that those found guilty of misappropriating NSFAS funds would be held accountable for their crimes

PRETORIA - The Department of Higher Education and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme will cooperate with an investigation into allegations of corruption and fraud at NSFAS.

President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a proclamation in August that authorised the SIU to probe maladministration and fraud at the financial aid scheme and recover any financial losses suffered by the state.

Nzimande said the pilferage of funds at NSFAS threatens the state's ability to provide eligible poor students with financial assistance.

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During a media briefing on NSFAS applications on Tuesday, 27 September, the higher education minister added they would prosecute officials who are found guilty, News24 reported.

Nzimande said he welcomes the investigation because the department of higher education is committed to tackling corruption wherever it occurs.

According to TimesLIVE, the SIU announced in August that the first part of the probe would investigate the management of the scheme's finances. The second part will look into the allocation of loans, bursaries and other forms of student funding per the NSFAS act.

South Africans weigh in on the SUI's probe into NSFAS

South Africans have accused the ANC of dragging its feet in addressing corruption.

Here are some comments:

@soundbytte

"The ANC is about as effective at fighting corruption as it is effective at keeping the lights on."

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@Magdalene2490

" Amazing how all ANC ministers, including Ramaphosa, suddenly "wakeup" to the realities of corruption, service delivery, municipal failures etc... Could it be they are scared ANC will be defeated in 2024"

@davidson_home

"Has he finally woken from his coma."

@pommieP1

"you've been saying it for 28 years whilst 1.5 Trillion has been stolen. ANC think SA's are stupid, problem is, they appear to be."

Former lotteries commission boss, Philemon Letwaba’s pension of over 2.8 Million, gets frozen by SIU

Briefly News previously reported that Former Lotteries Commission boss Philemon Letwaba's pension of over 2.8 million was frozen by the SIU.

According to TimesLive, the Special Tribunal intervened in the former COO's big payout, which has stopped the Liberty Group from giving Letwaba his pension.

The SIU launched the investigation after the former commissioner suddenly resigned from the National Lotteries Commision (NLC) while a disciplinary hearing was in process. In addition, there are allegations he distributed NLC funds to various NPOs from which he benefited.

Source: Briefly News