Parliament, Tuesday, 1 April 2025 –The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education, Mr Tebogo Letsie, notes the signing of a proclamation by the President authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of corruption and maladministration within the National Skills Fund (NSF).
Mr Letsie stated, “We welcome the long-overdue Proclamation 253 of 2025, which grants the SIU the authority to investigate serious maladministration, improper or unlawful conduct by officials and employees of the Department of Higher Education and Training, as well as potential mismanagement of funds allocated to the NSF. This is a critical step in ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence.”
He further emphasised the importance of the SIU’s investigation, particularly in scrutinising procurement processes, contracting for skills development programmes, training projects, and the appointment of implementing agents. Furthermore, Mr Letsie emphasised that if anyone within the value chain has unduly benefited, the law must take its course. He condemned these “brazen” thieves for depriving the country’s youth of the essential skills needed to drive economic growth.
“Earlier this year, during the NSF’s appearance before our committee, we expressed deep dissatisfaction with financial irregularities, questionable investments and payments made without due process. It is unacceptable that an institution meant to drive skills development underspent R3.7 billion in the 2023/24 financial year, especially given the high unemployment levels in our country,” Mr Letsie added.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, MR TEBOGO LETSIE.
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