NSFAS Corruption Allegations Must Be Addressed by SASCO

NSFAS Corruption Allegations Must Be Addressed by SASCO. The South African Students Congress (SASCO) has taken a proactive stance in addressing the allegations of corruption surrounding the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). Expressing concern over financial mismanagement, SASCO President Vezinhlanhla Simelane has urged law enforcement authorities and President Ramaphosa to respond effectively to the unfolding situation, as reported by eNCA.

SASCO Previous Concerns

SASCO President Simelane highlighted that the organization had previously raised concerns about mismanagement within NSFAS. Despite these grievances, their appeals were seemingly ignored, leading to dire consequences and victimization of SASCO activists. Emphatically, Simelane asserted that SASCO neither endorses nor supports any form of corruption or misapplication of public funds.

OUTA Investigation Findings

Recent revelations from an investigation conducted by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) have added fuel to the fire. The investigative report and audio recordings implicated Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and NSFAS chairman Ernest Khosa in questionable dealings, suggesting kickbacks from service providers, as reported by EWN.

SASCO Response to Corruption Allegations

In response to the exposed corruption within NSFAS, Simelane acknowledged that these revelations come at a time when the institution still owes allowances to over 10,000 students. While welcoming the ongoing investigation, SASCO hopes that it will not adversely affect NSFAS’s capacity to provide services to students.

Call for Consequence Management

SASCO stance on the matter remains firm, as Simelane calls for the implementation of the harshest form of consequence management against any NSFAS or Department of Higher Education representative found embezzling funds intended for destitute and poor students. The organization is resolute in its commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency within the educational financial aid system.

Conclusion

SASCO call for action in light of the NSFAS corruption allegations underscores the urgency of addressing financial mismanagement within the educational funding system. The organization advocates for a thorough investigation and strict consequence management to safeguard the interests of students who depend on NSFAS for their education.