AfriForum Asks PP to Investigate NSFAS Corruption Allegations

AfriForum Asks PP to Investigate NSFAS Corruption Allegations. AfriForum, a civil rights organization, has taken a decisive step in addressing allegations of corruption within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

The organization has formally lodged a complaint with the Public Protector (PP), urging an investigation into the conduct of Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education, and Ernest Khosa, the chairperson of NSFAS. These allegations surfaced in a report by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), prompting AfriForum to seek accountability through official channels.

Access to Information | AfriForum Pursuit of Transparency

In tandem with the PP complaint, AfriForum has utilized the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) to further its inquiry. The organization has submitted an application to NSFAS, seeking various records, including details of agreements with four service providers—Coinvest Africa, Tenet Technology, Ezaga Holdings, and Norraco Corporation—awarded the bid for direct payments of allowances to NSFAS beneficiaries. Additionally, AfriForum has requested a copy of the contract awarded to Vision Wave, a company associated with Dr Nzimande adviser, Tilson Manyoni, and granted a tender of R44 million in 2022.

Campaign Against Corruption | AfriForum Stance

Charné Mostert, Campaign Officer at AfriForum, emphasizes the pervasive issue of corruption within South African state-owned enterprises. AfriForum sees the PP complaint and PAIA application as crucial tools to hold individuals accountable for alleged misconduct. Mostert underscores the organization commitment to conducting its investigation to uncover the truth. The overarching goal is to ensure that individuals, especially those in positions of influence, do not exploit their roles for financial gain in an unethical manner.

AfriForum Call to Action

Mostert condemns the impact of corruption on students, highlighting the contrast between well-off officials and the financial struggles faced by numerous NSFAS applicants. She points out the delays in student allowances since 2023 and the anticipated 10% budget cut for 2024, emphasizing that budget cuts alone won’t rectify financial mismanagement. Mostert concludes by asserting that NSFAS, initially designed to aid disadvantaged students, is seemingly benefiting political figures more than those it was intended to serve.

FAQs About AfriForum NSFAS Corruption Allegations

Q 1: What prompted AfriForum complaint to the Public Protector?

Ans: AfriForum filed a complaint with the Public Protector based on allegations of corruption involving Dr Blade Nzimande and Ernest Khosa, as disclosed in a report by OUTA.

Q 2: What information is AfriForum seeking through the PAIA application to NSFAS?

Ans: AfriForum has requested records, including details of agreements with service providers and a copy of the contract awarded to Vision Wave, linked to Tilson Manyoni, adviser to Dr Nzimande.

Q 3: How does AfriForum plan to address corruption within state-owned enterprises?

Ans: AfriForum intends to use the PP complaint, PAIA application, and its independent investigation to ensure accountability and transparency, aiming to uncover the truth about alleged corruption within NSFAS.

Conclusion

AfriForum formal complaint and pursuit of transparency regarding alleged corruption within NSFAS reflect a resolute commitment to accountability. The organization’s actions underscore the imperative of ensuring integrity in state-owned enterprises for the equitable benefit of students in need.