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OUTA has filed complaints against the South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) and the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) over those entities’ refusal to provide OUTA with information requested on contracts with two businesses linked to questionable activities. The information was requested in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA). …
Ernest Khosa’s resignation from NSFAS will not solve the crisis. OUTA urges the SIU to investigate allegations against Khosa and others named in the recordings, one of whom was not revealed by OUTA until now. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) welcomes the resignation of the chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), …
“The Inseta board should now initiate an investigation into this sector education and training authority,” says OUTA. This week, the Insurance Sectoral Education and Training Authority (Inseta) was rocked by another high court judgment on 8 April, which dismissed its application for leave to appeal a January 2024 court order to reinstate the accreditation of …
OUTA says that the National Assembly’s adoption of the intelligence laws bill underlines the need for an active civil society to monitor and challenge the restriction of citizen rights. South Africa needs more than ever an active civil society that can hold government to account. Any measures by the state to interfere with or hamper …
OUTA-PMG-OpenUp parliamentary event On 19 March 2024, a diverse assembly of stakeholders convened in Cape Town around the theme “Setting the Scene: Stakeholders Convene on Parliamentary Matters”, including members of civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, current and potential future Members of Parliament, and other parliamentary officials. This one-day event, hosted by the Organisation Undoing Tax …
Confused reasoning behind latest announcement that outstanding e-toll debt – much of which has prescribed – is still to be collected, especially since government indicated an end to e-tolls in 2022. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse reiterates that it will continue with its plan to defend motorists who receive a summons from SANRAL for outstanding …
Budget cuts everywhere but not to failed programmes, failed ministries or electioneering. The cabinet’s decision to raid R150 billion of surplus “paper profits” within the Gold and Foreign Exchange Contingency Reserve Account (GFECRA) may provide some breathing space, but this is not a sustainable strategy but rather a clear sign of a desperate finance minister …
The university says its own accredited and leased residences have already reached full capacity
Contrary to what Khosa claims, there was no duty on OUTA to consult him before releasing the report or laying criminal complaints against him. It is now up to law enforcement to investigate the matter. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) will not retract its report on leaked voice recordings implicating the Minister of Higher …
After years of broken SONA promises, OUTA is switching off this year’s SONA. The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) has decided to ignore this year’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Ramaphosa on 8 February 2024. “OUTA’s decision to “check out” of SONA wasn’t taken lightly, as we don’t want to send the …
A report tabled in the Swellendam municipal council raises concern over diversion of traffic fine funds to RTIA, warning that it could result in shutting down the municipal traffic services Municipalities are now realising the cost and difficulties of implementing the controversial AARTO system. AARTO is the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, which …
OUTA once again calls for the resignation of Minister Blade Nzimande, in light of a looming student accommodation crisis Despite earlier warnings by OUTA, it appears that a student accommodation crisis is unfolding on many campuses countrywide and OUTA calls on President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to urgently intervene. …
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) believes that it is of utmost importance to ensure that the SABC has strong legislation and policies that govern it to enable the entity to restore public trust and to guarantee editorial independence. It is an undeniable fact that the SABC has been plagued, for years, by financial instability …
Prof Lourens Van Staden appointed as NSFAS acting Chair
Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has announced the appointment of Professor Lourens Van Staden as acting Chairperson of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) with immediate effect.
This after NSFAS Board Chairperson, Ernest Khosa, voluntarily tabled a notice of 30 days leave of absence for the organisation to deal with allegations against him as contained in the recordings distributed by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
The OUTA is accusing both Khosa and the Minister of defrauding the scheme through kickbacks from service providers.
Van Staden is the former Vice Chancellor of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
“I have already had a briefing session with him emphasising the importance of NSFAS to prioritise readiness for the beginning of the 2024 academic year. The acting Chairperson will also prioritise the employment of a new CEO and fully implement the Werksmans report that was commissioned by NSFAS,” Nzimande said on Sunday.
Last year, the NSFAS Board appointed law firm Werksmans Attorneys and advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi to probe claims of irregularities involving a tender awarded to four firms to pay allowances to students.
The investigation follows allegations against the now-axed NSFAS CEO, Andile Nongogo, relating to his conflict of interest in the appointment of service providers.
According to the findings, Nongogo actively participated in the presentation to the Bid Evaluation Committee (BEC) of proposals by service providers.
The probe also found he violated the public procurement processes of NSFAS, which he was employed to safeguard and uphold and has since been fired.
Labour court decision and report
In addition, last week, the Board of the NSFAS welcomed the Labour Court’s decision to declare the termination of the contract of employment of Nongogo as lawful and valid.
“The NSFAS Board further welcomes the decision by the Court to dismiss with costs the application by Mr Nongogo to strike out certain paragraphs as contained in the Werksmans Attorney’s report, which implicates him of irregular conduct concerning the appointment of direct payment service providers.
“The decision by the court vindicates the NSFAS Board in terminating Mr Nongogo’s contract of employment following his irregular involvement in the appointment of the direct payment service providers.”
The financial aid scheme said it views the report as a necessary and important measure to push “NSFAS to a much more elevated level of consciousness to fight corruption and the capture of NSFAS by some unscrupulous people masquerading as business people”.
In addition, NSFAS believes that the document also serves as a measure for NSFAS to further strengthen its own internal supply chain management systems and controls.
“Following this groundbreaking judgement, NSFAS will vigorously continue with its legal process towards the termination of contracts of direct payment service providers.”
The implicated firms include Tenet Technologies, Coinvest, eZaga Holdings and Norraco Corporation.
“The termination of the direct payment service providers will be handled with due care not to disrupt the disbursement of the allowances to students in the 2024 academic year.
“NSFAS will now focus all its efforts towards its immediate task of preparation for the seamless beginning of the 2024 academic year.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Mon, 01/15/2024 - 10:34
Editor: One cannot bu selfishly wonder if this will affect SAP’s willingness too sponsor sport – like sailings SAP 5O5 World Championships that were held in Gqeberha? SAP’s R2.295bn penalties and repayments to South Africa show alternative dispute resolutions can help resolve state capture cases. OUTA welcomes the resolution, findings and stiff penalties in the …
NSFAS Board Chair Ernest Khosa takes leave of absence
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) announced on Wednesday that its board chairperson, Ernest Khosa, has voluntarily tabled a notice of 30 days leave of absence.
This is after the NSFAS Board held a special meeting to discuss the financial aid scheme’s state of readiness for the beginning of the 2024 academic year.
The leave of absence, according to the NSFAS, will enable the board to deal with all the allegations against him as contained in the recordings distributed by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
The OUTA is accusing both Khoza and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, of defrauding NSFAS through kickbacks from service providers.
“The Chairperson reiterated to the board that he had never received any financial gratification for his personal use or facilitated any for the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation or the South African Communist Party (SACP).
“The Board Chairperson also raised concerns about threats that have been made against his life and that of his family.”
According to the statement, the board has since informed the Minister of the leave of notice tabled by the board chairperson.
In terms of the NSFAS Act, the Minister has the fiduciary responsibility to appoint the acting board chairperson in the absence of the chairperson.
“The board takes this opportunity to thank Mr Khosa for his honourable, brave and responsible decision to voluntarily take leave of absence and hails his decision as a responsible and conscious step to advance good corporate governance, transparency and accountability.
“The board would like to emphasise that this decision should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt on the part of the chairperson.”
Meanwhile, the board resolved to appoint an independent legal firm to look into the veracity of the allegations against the board chairperson.
The legal firm, which is yet to be announced, will be expected to submit its findings within 30 days of their appointment.
“The board would also like to assure all South Africans that this process will be handled with due diligence and integrity.”
NSFAS has since assured all South Africans that it will continue to work with all stakeholders within the post-school education and training sector to ensure that there is a seamless and successful beginning of the 2024 academic year.
Meanwhile, part of the Board’s pre-occupation will be the appointment of a new chief executive officer.
“The board would also like to report to the public that the 2024 application process is proceeding extremely well, with applications having reached the 900 000 mark.”
The board is encouraging all prospective students to apply for the bursary while they are awaiting their final matriculation results.
Applications for financial aid for all learners who wish to enter the post-school system and students who do not have financial assistance to continue their studies in the 2024 academic year officially opened on 21 November 2023.
In a statement issued by NSFAS in November, NSFAS said applications for 2024 funding will close on 31 January 2024.
“Furthermore, the board extends its gratitude to Mr Khosa’s family for having supported him throughout this difficult period.” – SAnews.gov.za
Gabisile
Thu, 01/11/2024 - 10:12
OUTA says Blade Nzimande is trying to mislead the public by diverting from what leaked recordings disclose about him and the SACP The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) notes Minister Blade Nzimande’s comments at his media conference today, and his reaction to our investigation report and the leaked voice recordings in which the NSFAS debacle …
Minister refutes allegations in OUTA report
Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, has assured South Africans that he has never used any money from any of his department’s entities to fund the South African Communist Party (SACP), as suggested in a report by the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA).
Addressing a media briefing in Pretoria on Monday, the Minister refuted allegations that he received personal kickbacks from service providers to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) or any of the other entities falling under his departments.
His assertions follow a report by OUTA alleging that service providers appointed to administer the NSFAS’ new direct payment system paid him millions of rands in kickbacks.
The report also alleges that payments were made to NSFAS board chair Ernest Khosa as well as at least R1 million to Nzimande’s party, the South African Communist Party (SACP).
“I therefore wish to dismiss this baseless insinuation by OUTA, some organisations, including some sections of the media, that I as Minister was involved in some form of corruption at NSFAS. These are all lies that emanate from a malicious fight back campaign. My conscience is clear, and I have nothing to hide or fear.
“As stated in my statement on 5 January, I reserve my rights to take the necessary legal action and I have voluntarily decided that I am going to subject myself to the relevant legal processes and ethics bodies of the African National Congress (ANC) and the SACP,” the Minister said.
The Minister highlighted his track record in fighting corruption at NSFAS and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.
“My fight against corruption and maladministration dates back to the appointment of the Administrator at NSFAS where disciplinary processes were initiated against some employees following the discovery of some wrongdoing and financial misconduct by these employees.
“With the current NSFAS Board, I have supported their initiatives to deal with ghost students who were benefiting from the scheme irregularly. I also directed the Board to implement the recommendations of the Werksman Report, without fear not any favour. Part of these recommendations is the termination of the contracts of the direct payment service providers,” Nzimande said.
He noted that the SACP has already made its stance known on the false allegations contained in the OUTA statement and rejected them.
“I also wish to place it on record that I do a lot of party-political fundraising, especially for the South African Communist Party as is the case I am sure with leaders of all our political parties.
“However, with the strict guidance from the SACP, I am not permitted to raise funds from entities under our departments or knowingly from service providers in that space.
“As Minister, I also wish to remind the country that I have absolutely no role or direct influence in determining the allocation of training funds by any of the Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), including the Services SETA that is being mentioned in the aforementioned statement,” he said.
Nzimande emphasised that the allegations against him and the attacks on the chairperson of the NSFAS board are part of a nefarious fight-back campaign that is linked to success and measures to fight corruption and ensure clean governance at NSFAS.
“This campaign includes threats to the life and person of the NSFAS Chairperson. You would recall that a finding was made by Werksmans Attorneys that the appointment of four direct payment service providers was irregular and that in line with the recommendations of the Werksmans report, the contracts of these services were to be terminated and that in doing so, we had to ensure that the students are not affected negatively.
“It is our view therefore that the leaked recordings are part of a nefarious fight-back campaign that is meant to undermine and frustrate the decision of the NSFAS Board to start with the legal proceedings to terminate the contracts of these four direct payment solution service providers, as recommended by the Werksmans report,” the Minister said.
He said the publishing of this report and leaking of the recording is calculated to disrupt the smooth start to the academic year and have no regard for the plight and well-being of poor and working class students.
As part of his oversight responsibilities over NSFAS, the Minister will on Wednesday meet the Board of NSFAS to receive progress on the 2024 application process, the finalisation of the 2023 disbursements, the implementation of the accommodation pilot project and the phased implementation of the Comprehensive Funding Model, particularly the funding of the missing middle through the NSFAS Loan Scheme.
“I wish to assure the people of our country that I stand firm on my commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring clean governance at NSFAS and all the entities under my departments and will not allow any organisation or individual to distract me from this task.
“I further wish to assure the people of our country and in particular, the students and stakeholders in our Post School Education and Training sector that I remain committed to ensuring that we have a smooth start to the 2024 academic year. I will be having the first of two press conferences later this week to inform the country and our stakeholders on our preparedness and readiness for the start of the 2024 academic year,” Nzimande said. – SAnews.gov.za
nosihle
Tue, 01/09/2024 - 09:33
Editor: This release from OUTA reminds me of the time when the National Lottery was launched and the then chairman of the National Lottery was being interviewed on SAFM. He placed a lot of emphasis on the plan to distribute the money to “good causes” – unfortunately for him his accent mad the term “good …
This week’s announcements of Government’s plan to pursue a new nuclear procurement process for 2 500MW, along with Cabinet’s decision to endorse a R3,7 billion investment deal between PetroSA and the Russian owned financier Gazprombank to resuscitate its gas-to-liquid fuel refinery in Mossel Bay, appear to be taken in haste and lacking sufficient transparency, clarity …
The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) exposed yet more wrongdoing in the higher education sector, this time at the Gert Sibande TVET College in Mpumalanga. OUTA’s full report into a heavily inflated tender of R83,1 million will be shared with the SIU for further investigation and prosecution. “Whistleblowers approached OUTA in 2022 with allegations that …
Outa says that municipalities need to rethink raising revenues, the regulations governing the process as well as greater accountability and consequence management on how money is spent. There seems to be a tendency among municipalities to budget for income they know they won’t get. This creates false expectations in communities over service delivery and sets …
The Joburg Crisis Alliance is outraged by the City of Joburg’s secretive reappointment of Floyd Brink as city manager, flouting a court order The Joburg Crisis Alliance is outraged by the council’s secretive reappointment of Mr Floyd Brink as the city manager for the City of Johannesburg, flouting the recent high court ruling that the …
OUTA’s latest report reveals a critical shortage of NSFAS-accredited student accommodation for 2024, which can largely be ascribed to the fact that the student aid scheme once again appointed inexperienced and understaffed service providers to carry out accreditation services OUTA completed its investigation into student accommodation tenders at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), …