SIU to investigate corruption and maladministration at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)


The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is anticipated to investigate charges of corruption and maladministration within the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

This occurred after President Cyril Ramaphosa made a proclamation empowering the anti-corruption agency to investigate the NSFAS.

The investigation is anticipated to span the time period between April 2016 and August of this year, but may possibly include any other period that is pertinent to the inquiry.

Kaizer Kganyago, a spokeswoman for the SIU, said that the probe would focus on two operations of the organisation.

“The first part will look into the management of NSFAS finances. The second part will investigate the allocation of loans, bursaries and any other funding payable to students in terms of the provisions of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme Act, 1999, Act No. 56 of 1999.

“Furthermore, the SIU will also investigate related unauthorised, irregular or fruitless and wasteful expenditure incurred by the NSFAS or the State, including the causes of maladministration,” he said.

Kganyago noted that officials’ behaviour would also be scrutinised.

“The SIU will also investigate any unlawful or improper conduct by employees or officials of the NSFAS or the service providers in question, their employees or any other person or entity,” he said.

Additionally, the SIU will attempt to recover any funds lost by the state as a consequence of any improper conduct at NSFAS.

“The SIU is empowered to institute civil action in the High Court, or a Special Tribunal in its name, to correct any wrongdoing uncovered during both investigations caused by acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration.

“In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996, the SIU will refer any evidence pointing to criminal conduct it uncovers to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for further action,” Kganyago said.


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