The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has signed Acknowledgement of Debt (AoD) agreements with 421 students. These are students who did not qualify to be funded by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
SIU Spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, said the total value of the AoD amounts to R112, 174 825,97.
University of Fort Hare
“In addition to the AoDs, the SIU has made progress in recovering unallocated funds. With the University of Fort Hare being the latest to pay back unallocated funds of R277,666 450. This brings the total of recoveries to R1,165 887 062,” Kganyago said.
The SIU has so far recovered the following funds from institutions of higher learning:
• West Coast College – R5,057 679.00
• Northlink College – R33,369 404.97
• Walter Sisulu University – R19,900 174.00
• Nkangala TVET – R342,672.50
• The University of Mpumalanga – R33,668 138.19
• University of Zululand – R58,088 144.65
• The University of Fort Hare – R277,666 450.00
• University of Pretoria- R400,000 000.00
• Majuba TVET College – R25,902 309.31
• University of Johannesburg – R311,892 088.94
The unit expressed its gratitude to the cooperation of parents and unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries. All who have signed the acknowledgement of debt and agreed to repay the money over some time.
Beneficiaries urged to come forward
“The SIU is urging unqualified NSFAS beneficiaries who have not been in contact with the unit to come forward and arrange for repayment,” Kganyago said.
An investigation by the SIU has revealed that NSFAS failed to design and implement controls. These were to ensure that there is an annual reconciliation between the different funds. The funds which are disbursed to higher learning institutions and the allocation of those funds to the students.
These control weaknesses have led to overpayments and underpayments of funds. This affected funds meant for different institutions over the period of 2017 to date.
NSFAS has appointed a service provider to assist in performing the reconciliation. This will be done via a “close-out reporting” process which is still ongoing.
Corruption and maladministration
Kganyago noted that the SIU is authorised to investigate allegations of corruption and maladministration. This refers to the affairs of NSFAS. And to recover any financial losses suffered by the state through corruption and negligence. All these are applicable in terms of Proclamation R88 of 2022.
“The SIU is empowered to institute a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name. This to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during both investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud, or maladministration.
“The unit will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the NPA. For further action, in line with the SIUs and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996,” Kganyago said.
- SAnews.gov.za
