Latest news with #SpecialInvestigatingUnit
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Nsfas R2.5m head office delays prolong terminating lease
The current Nsfas leadership has distanced itself from the controversial agreement The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (Nsfas) continues to pay R2.5 million monthly for its headquarters, as legal delays prolong the termination of an alleged irregular lease agreement. The student funding agency recently disclosed that judicial scheduling constraints have pushed back the critical court application to set aside the contentious lease beyond the initially planned April 30 deadline, prolonging the financial burden on the cash-strapped organisation. Nsfas legal battle continues with SIU support The scheme is working with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to pursue a lease cancellation in court. 'Nsfas has engaged extensively and is cooperating fully with the Special Investigating Unit regarding the lease termination process,' the organisation said. The student aid scheme emphasised its alignment with the SIU's legal strategy, declaring that it 'would comply with any court decision on the matter' while working as a co-applicant in the unit's application to void the lease. ALSO READ: Nsfas recovers over R850 million following SIU probe Parking spots costing millions Beyond the substantial monthly rental payments, Nsfas acknowledged additional concerns surrounding parking facilities at the headquarters, which carry a five-year price tag of R18.6 million. The agency defended the current payments as unavoidable contractual commitments established when the lease was originally executed. 'Nsfas confirmed that it pays a monthly rental of R2.5 million, in accordance with the existing lease agreement with the landlord,' officials stated, noting that 'this amount reflects contractual obligations negotiated at the time of signing.' ALSO READ: Higher education minister withdraws appointment of Seta board chairpersons Nsfas board distances itself from previous decisions The current Nsfas leadership has distanced itself from the controversial agreement, emphasising that the lease arrangement preceded the board's appointment. Despite this, board members acknowledged their duty to address inherited problems. 'While this lease predates the appointment of the current Nsfas Board, the Board remains committed to its core mandate of implementing a comprehensive turnaround strategy founded on transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.' Reform strategy underway The agency outlined extensive measures being implemented to prevent similar situations in the future. As part of this strategy, the scheme vowed to uphold a zero-tolerance policy towards wastage, fraud, and corruption. Nsfas added that 'any irregular contracts will be terminated in strict adherence to established due process.' ALSO READ: SIU launches probe into National Skills Fund Contingency planning for relocation Anticipating an eventual successful lease termination, Nsfas revealed it has begun developing backup plans to ensure seamless operations during any potential headquarters transition. The preparations form part of a broader organisational restructuring initiative. The scheme explained that contingency arrangements 'aim to minimise operational and staff disruptions' while the organisation collaborates 'with relevant stakeholders to finalise arrangements.' The relocation planning aligns with Nsfas' wider regionalisation objectives, designed to enhance both operational effectiveness and service delivery to students across the country. Broader legal action against irregular contracts The headquarters lease represents just one component of Nsfas' extensive legal campaign to address questionable agreements inherited from previous administrations. According to a May 7 presentation to parliament's higher education portfolio committee, the agency is pursuing multiple contract cancellations in court. The organisation confirmed it has begun implementing recommendations from both the Auditor-General and the SIU as core elements of its institutional transformation Programme. These reforms encompass technology system improvements, enhanced contract oversight, and strengthened internal governance mechanisms. ALSO READ: No party favourites: Minister defends appointment of Mantashe's son to Seta board Future vision despite current challenges Despite ongoing financial and legal complications, Nsfas leadership maintained its commitment to the organisation's fundamental mission of supporting disadvantaged students' educational aspirations. 'Nsfas envisions a future where every eligible student, regardless of background, has equitable access to transformative education,' officials stated in their recent parliamentary report. The agency asked for patience as it navigates the complex legal and administrative processes required to resolve inherited irregularities. 'Nsfas remains committed to transparency, good governance, and responsible management as we undertake these critical reforms. We thank the public and all stakeholders for their continued support and understanding,' the organisation declared. READ NEXT: Higher Education and Nsfas vow action amid Durban student protests
eNCA
6 hours ago
- Business
- eNCA
SIU moves to recover R33m lost to Enviro Mobi tender
JOHANNESBURG - The Special Investigating Unit has frozen over R3-million in pension benefits belonging to Gauteng's former head of Agriculture, Matilda Gasela. She's accused of playing a key role in the mismanagement of a R72-million tender awarded to Enviro Mobi. The company is linked to former ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe. Despite non-delivery, Gasela allegedly approved further payments, including R6,4-million for 'storage costs'. According to SIU spokesperson, Kaizer Kganyago, the matter is now before the Special Tribunal, with possible criminal charges also on the table.
TimesLIVE
4 days ago
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Special Tribunal stops pension to former Gauteng agriculture head Matilda Gasela
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has obtained an interim order preventing the processing of a R3.3m pension payout to Matilda Matozi Gasela, former Gauteng agriculture, rural development and land reform department head. The order, granted by the Special Tribunal on May 15, also restrained Gasela from accessing or claiming these funds pending finalisation of legal proceedings against her. Gasela assumed office as head of department in December 2018 and is alleged to have played a pivotal role in the mismanagement of a contract involving Enviro Mobi (later known as Groen Mintirho). 'Despite the company's failure to deliver the required vehicles, she authorised further payments and approved a settlement of R6.5m for purported 'storage costs' — an expense not stipulated in the original contract. 'Senior counsel had explicitly advised against this payment, which was later declared to be fruitless and wasteful expenditure,' the SIU said on Friday. Her actions allegedly contravened the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and contributed to the depletion of public funds in what the SIU described as a fraudulent scheme.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
SIU investigates Department of Defence over mask tender corruption claims
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed a new proclamation authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to investigate allegations of maladministration in the affairs of the Department of Defence and to recover any losses suffered by the State. Proclamation 260 of 2025 authorises the SIU to investigate serious maladministration, focusing on irregularities linked to Bid Number CPSC-UB-M-013-2021 for the supply and delivery of surgical mask elastic loops. 'The SIU probe will examine whether the procurement and contracting were made in a manner that was not fair, competitive, transparent, equitable, or cost-effective or in violation of applicable legislation, guidelines, or instructions from the National or Provincial Treasury. 'This includes the department's or the State's unauthorised, irregular, or wasteful expenditure. Furthermore, the SIU will seek to establish if there was any misappropriation of unidentified payments received by the department,' said the SIU in a statement today. The probe will also look at any irregular, unlawful, or improper conduct by officials or employees of the department, its suppliers or service providers, or any other person or entity implicated. The SIU said the proclamation covers allegations of unlawful and improper conduct that occurred between March 1, 2021 and May 23, 2025, as well as any related activities before March 1, 2021 and after the date of the proclamation that are pertinent to the matters under investigation or involve the same persons, entities or contracts. Beyond investigating maladministration, corruption and fraud, the SIU is committed to identifying systemic failures and recommending measures to prevent future losses. In line with the Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Act 74 of 1996 (SIU Act), the SIU will refer any evidence of criminal conduct uncovered during its investigation to the NPA for further action. Under the SIU Act, the SIU is also authorised to initiate a civil action in the High Court or a Special Tribunal in its name to address any wrongdoing identified during its investigation resulting from acts of corruption, fraud or maladministration. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Collins Letsoalo suspended as CEO of the Road Accident Fund amid corruption allegations
Letsoalo, who appeared before the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) this morning, was suspended with full pay. He has been implicated in several allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption, primarily centred around a controversial R79 million lease deal for the offices in Johannesburg. A preliminary report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) found that Letsoalo interfered with the procurement process by overturning a bid committee's recommendation to favour Mowana Properties, a losing bidder linked to the Government Employees Pension Fund, which ultimately secured the lease agreement.
