NSFAS funds: SIU investigating Central Johannesburg TVET College amid allegations of corruption

• The handling of NSFAS funding at the Central Johannesburg TVET College will be probed by the SIU. 
• The SIU is investigating following allegations of corruption and maladministration.
• A forensic report on the affairs of the institution was received by Blade Nzimande.  

President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate Central Johannesburg TVET College (CJC) over allegations of corruption and maladministration with regard to the institution's handling of National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funds.   

The SIU said the unit has to investigate the allegations and to recover any financial losses suffered.

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande reported the alleged irregularities to the SIU, it said in a statement.

Nzimande approached the SIU after obtaining a forensic report, which contained damning findings on the affairs of the college, SIU spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said.

"The referral was accompanied by a forensic report emanating from a preliminary forensic investigation conducted. The SIU prepared a motivation for a proclamation authorising the corruption-busting unit to investigate and recover losses suffered."

Kganyago added that the investigation would focus on the administration and disbursement of bursary and allowance funding received from NSFAS and the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority. 

He said the idea was to determine whether the bursary and allowance funding, which was administered and disbursed by the CJC, was done in a manner that was contrary to applicable legislation, manuals and instructions issued by the National Treasury or the relevant Provincial Treasury, and in a fraudulent manner. 

Kganyago said the SIU would look at whether the disbursement of the bursary and allowances was conducted or facilitated by service providers or third parties, and in collusion with or through the intervention of officials or employees of the CJC, to corruptly or unduly benefit themselves or others. 

He said the unit will extend its investigation to cover any unlawful or improper conduct by officials or employees of the CJC or any other person or entity in relation to the reported allegations.

"The proclamation authorises the SIU to unleash all its legislative powers to subpoena bank statements and cellphone records, search and seize evidence, and interrogate witnesses under oath in a quest to hold those responsible to account for their actions," said Kganyago.