Johannesburg – Allegations of embezzlement of funds levelled against the former higher education minister, Dr. Blade Nzimande, and the former chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), Ernest Khosa, have been referred to the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
The matter was initially brought to the Public Protector by the African Transformation Movement (ATM).
Revealing the development on Tuesday, (6 August 2024), the ATM said it, “welcomes the decision by the Office of the Public Protector to refer our complaint regarding the embezzlement of funds by Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Dr. Blade Nzimande, and the Chairperson of the NSFAS, Mr. Ernest Khosa, to the SIU”.
Dr. Nzimande, who is now Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, denies the allegations.
Earlier this year in April, Khosa quit as chair of NSFAS following corruption accusations by OUTA, which released recordings that it said were a discussion about a one-million-rand bribe.
Khoza denied any involvement in NSFAS theft of funds or bribery.
OUTA named Dr. Nzimande, Khosa, and then NSFAS Chief Executive Officer Andile Nongogo as the people linked to the recording.
Nongogo was fired last year in October.
In January this year, the ATM wrote to the Public Protector requesting that the matter be probed.
On Tuesday, the ATM said the Public Protector had, according to the rules, referred the complaint to the SIU for further investigation under Proclamation R88 for the SIU to make a competent pronouncement on the matter.
The ATM said: “We now urge the SIU to conduct a thorough but expedited investigation.
“It is important that the SIU acts with the utmost urgency, leaving no stone unturned, and operates without fear or favour.
“The future of our nation’s students depends on the integrity of institutions like NSFAS, and it is essential that those responsible for any wrongdoing are brought to book swiftly.
“Furthermore, when the SIU finds that indeed Dr. Nzimande has been involved in criminal activities within the department, the ATM will call for the immediate resignation from Cabinet.”
The ATM added: “Over the years, Minister Nzimande has proven himself unworthy of occupying any position of responsibility within government or any other institution.
“The ATM remains steadfast in our dedication to rooting out corruption and ensuring that South Africa’s resources are used to benefit its people, particularly the youth, who are the future of our nation.
“We will continue to monitor this investigation closely and demand accountability at every turn.”
