SA Student Blows Half a Million After Receiving R14-M by Mistake

A South African student received a windfall R14-million in her account – by accident – and went on to spend R500,000 of it (while fellow students are battling to receive adequate food allowances)!

Had she not bragged about it on Facebook it appears that nobody would have picked up the mistake.

Unfortunately for her, she did boast… and is now being asked to pay back the money!

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) confirmed in a statement that the student at the Buffalo City campus erroneously received R14 million in her account.

“The funds were allocated to the student’s IntelliCard, which is the debit card administered by IntelliMali.

“Of the R14 million, the student has spent close to R500,000.”

WSU said it was meeting with the CEO of IntelliMali, Michael Ansell, to discuss the matter “and probe how such an error could have occurred and go undetected over a five month period.

“The student’s account has been blocked and the remaining balance has been retracted. The student has been advised by the University that she will remain liable for the money that she has spent.”

WSU spokesperson Yonela Tukwayo said a forensic investigation is underway. At this stage it is unknown whether any other students received similar payments.

Reports indicate that the student was meant to receive R1,4-million.

The cash-strapped Eastern Cape university has been plagued with problems recently – debts and two killings on campus. Aphelele Ntobongwana, an electrical engineering student from Libode was stabbed on Sunday afternoon at the male residence Destiny Two. This comes only three months after Lwando Mantshontsho was assaulted and killed on the Mthatha Campus.