‘Nefarious campaign’: Nzimande responds to alleged NSFAS graft
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and NSFAS chairperson Ernest Khosa were allegedly paid kickbacks by service providers.
Higher Education Minister Dr Blade Nzimande says allegations against him are part of a nefarious fight back campaign linked to the success of tackling corruption at the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).
This comes as the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA) released a series of leaked voice recordings which reveal that Nzimande and NSFAS Chairperson Ernest Khosa allegedly received millions in bribe for tenders and protection by NSFAS service providers.
NZIMANDE WEIGHS IN ON ALLEGED NSFAS GRAFT
The records have caused an uproar in the country considering that a number of students do not receive their living allowances in time or do not receive them at all and other issues related to funding.
A number of political parties have called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to fire Nzimande.
ALSO READ: Report confirms irregularities in appointment of NSFAS service providers
Speaking at a brefing in Pretoria on Monday, 8 January, Nzimande said as a Minister he does not have any role or direct influence in determining the allocation of training funds by any SETA.
“This includes the services SETA that is mentioned in this malicious and largely false report by OUTA. It is our view that the allegations against me as Minister and the attcks on NSFAS Board Chairperson Ernest Khosa are part of a nefarious fight back campaign that is linked to success and measures I have taken to fight corruption and ensure clean governance at NSFAS,” he said.
Nzimande also said that the alleged fight back campaign unfortunately includes threats to the life and security of the NSFAS Board Chairperson who has been getting death threats.
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POLITICAL PARTIES TO OPEN CASES
The Democratic Alliance, FreedomFront Plus and ActionSA are among political parties that have weighed in on the allegations leveled against Nzimande.
The DA and ActionSA said they will file criminal charge against Nzimande and Khosa.
DA Shadow Minister of Higher Education Chantel King said the voice recordings give a glimpse into corruption at NSFAS under the current board chairperson w”who is controlled by a syndicate whose tenacles stretch to SETA’s funds as well.
King said the allegations against Nzimande and Khosa as well as the recording must be tested without interference.
ALSO READ: OUTA: Blade Nzimande allegedly received bribe for NSFAS tenders