In a significant development in South African politics, the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA have filed criminal charges against Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr. Blade Nzimande, and National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board Chairperson, Ernest Khosa. These charges stem from allegations of corruption and kickbacks involving the NSFAS.
The DA has accused Nzimande and Khosa of being involved in a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by corrupt tenderpreneurs to loot NSFAS funds. According to the allegations, contractors paid kickbacks to secure lucrative contracts and shield themselves from scrutiny. This scheme allegedly involved millions of rand in kickbacks, with at least R1 million reportedly going to the South African Communist Party (SACP).
Despite these serious allegations, Nzimande has firmly denied any wrongdoing. In a recent press conference, he dismissed the claims as a “nefarious” attempt to discredit him and categorically denied using any funds from his departments for the SACP or receiving personal kickbacks from NSFAS. He also accused the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) of lying about his involvement.
📺 [WATCH] The DA takes decisive action against NSFAS student funding corruption by laying charges against Minister Blade Nzimande.
Leaked recordings revealed that the ANC’s tentacles of corruption are targeting student funding through corrupt tenders.
👥 @Siviwe_G x @K_Khakhaupic.twitter.com/ifTjQbYudD
— Democratic Alliance (@Our_DA) January 9, 2024
ActionSA has criticized Nzimande’s response, describing it as a theatrical attempt to evade accountability and labeling his claims of being a victim of an ‘elite’ conspiracy as delusions unworthy of serious consideration. They further accused him of undermining the principles of transparency and accountability and using racial undertones to shield himself from scrutiny.
The DA leader, John Steenhuisen, has vowed to pursue the matter through the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) and by mobilizing student organizations and movements to hold Nzimande accountable. The party is also preparing to declare the NSFAS board delinquent over the alleged corrupt and irrational direct payment and accommodation tenders.
This scandal has raised significant concerns about the management of NSFAS and its impact on nearly 1 million students who rely on the scheme for financial aid. The allegations of corruption and mismanagement have exacerbated the disenfranchisement of poor students, casting a shadow over the higher education sector in South Africa.
As the situation unfolds, political parties and civic groups are calling for transparency and justice. The outcome of these charges and the ongoing investigations will be closely watched, as they bear significant implications for South Africa’s higher education system and political landscape.
