Nzimande Outa Wants My Head. Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande is facing scrutiny after the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) released an investigative report accusing him of receiving kickbacks. Despite the allegations, Nzimande remains defiant, refuting the claims and challenging OUTA to provide proof.
OUTA Allegations and Call for Resignations:
OUTA report, supported by leaked recordings, alleges kickbacks involving Minister Nzimande, NSFAS Board Chairperson Earnest Khosa, and the South African Communist Party (SACP). The accusations are linked to a lucrative tender for the Direct NSFAS allowance payment system. OUTA calls for resignations, but Nzimande dismisses the demand, vowing to address the allegations.
Minister Response and Urgent NSFAS Board Meeting
Nzimande addresses the media, denying all accusations and expressing frustration at facing recurring corruption allegations. He calls for an urgent meeting with the NSFAS board to address governance issues. The minister emphasizes collaboration with law enforcement agencies to investigate reported corruption at NSFAS.
Alleged Collusion and Minister Suspicions
Nzimande speculates that OUTA, once critical of its targets, is now colluding with them to bring down the minister and the NSFAS board. The minister urges the media to investigate and questions OUTA’s motives, alleging opportunistic collusion with previously targeted individuals.
OUTA Motives Questioned
Nzimande accuses OUTA of being an elite-serving organization, claiming it disregards the interests of ordinary South Africans. Despite refuting OUTA’s claims, Nzimande asserts a commitment to rooting out corruption within NSFAS and his department.
Minister Rights and Legal Action:
While defending his commitment to fighting corruption, Nzimande asserts his rights and condemns the violation of those rights amid corruption allegations. He criticizes the media for perpetuating gossip and emphasizes his proactive stance, consulting lawyers to address baseless accusations.
Audio Recording Controversy:
Nzimande denies his voice being present in the leaked audio recording and expresses discontent with the recording’s release. He highlights the challenges of being a minister, emphasizing the need to address false accusations and insults.
Conclusion
Amidst allegations and defiant responses, the controversy surrounding Minister Nzimande involvement with OUTA’s report raises questions about the organization’s motivations and the minister’s commitment to combating corruption within NSFAS. The ongoing investigation and legal actions indicate a complex and contentious situation that may have broader implications for the higher education sector in South Africa.
