Nzimande Is Facing Criminal Charges | NSFAS Council Declares Him Ineligible

Nzimande Is Facing Criminal Charges | NSFAS Council Declares Him Ineligible. Legal action is imminent against Blade Nzimande, the Minister of Higher Education, Training, and Innovation, regarding his role in the management of funds within the National Scheme for Financial Assistance for Students (NSFAS). Additionally, the NSFAS board is under scrutiny for alleged corrupt practices related to direct payment and accommodation tenders. The Democratic Alliance (DA) is seeking to have the board declared as delinquent directors.

DA Leader Announcement

The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, announced on Monday the pursuit of legal action against Nzimande and the NSFAS board. This move comes in response to growing concerns about a patronage network in the Department of Higher Education, with Nzimande and Ernest Khosa, the chairman of the NSFAS board, directly implicated.

Allegations and Investigation

Pressure group Outa shared a damning investigation report and voice recordings with the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), providing evidence of bribery and corrupt practices by service providers with multi-million rand tenders. These payments were allegedly made to Nzimande and Khosa in exchange for tenders and protection.

DA Response

Steenhuisen criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for his perceived inaction and announced the DA’s intention to mobilize a mass campaign on campuses to pressure the president to take decisive action. The DA expressed concerns about the detrimental effects of corrupt practices, highlighting exorbitant charges for students and delays in allowances.

Financial and Accommodation Tenders

The scandal extends to financial tenders, where companies with no proven track record were awarded tenders, resulting in financial difficulties for students. Additionally, serious questions surround accommodation tenders, as NSFAS now requires accreditation, potentially leading to a housing crisis for students.

Concerns for the Academic Year

The DA is concerned that the corruption and mismanagement at NSFAS may lead to a serious crisis when students return to campuses. The ANC’s alleged corruption has caused a funding deficit of over R1.1 billion, affecting more than 87,000 students.

Action Steps

The DA plans to submit a request under the Promotion of Access to Information Act to obtain the relevant tender report. They also intend to request an expansion of the SIU investigation scope to include the alleged bribery of Nzimande and Khosa.

Nzimande and Khosa Response

Nzimande office announced a media conference to address the allegations, emphasizing that more details from Outa’s report and related management issues at NSFAS will be revealed. Both Nzimande and Khosa have rejected the allegations as gossip intended to undermine the academic year’s successful start in 2024.

Conclusion

The unfolding allegations against Blade Nzimande and the NSFAS board raise serious concerns about corruption in the management of student funds. The DA’s decisive action and calls for investigation underscore the urgency of addressing systemic issues for the well-being of students.