The President signed Proclamation 253 of 2025, authorising the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) to probe allegations of serious maladministration and financial mismanagement at the NSF.
Nkabane, who is also the Executive Authority of the NSF, confirmed that a meeting between the SIU and the NSF has already taken place. The SIU has issued a letter of intent outlining the scope of the investigation.
This meeting provided an opportunity for a full brief on the scope of the investigation and what will be required from the entity, to assist the investigation.
The minister assured full cooperation from the NSF, including submission of all required documentation and internal reports.
“The National Skills Fund is a law-abiding entity under my department,” she said.
We believe this investigation and its outcomes will set the NSF on a new trajectory as it repositions itself as a catalytic change agent in our communities and the country at large.
Scope of the Investigation
The SIU’s investigation will focus on procurement and contracting processes for skills development programmes, training projects, and the appointment of implementing agents.
The projects under scrutiny include:
- Yikhonolakho Woman and Youth Primary Co-operative Limited (NSF 16/1/3/21)
- Dithipe Development Institute (Pty) Limited
- Dzunde Farming Co-operative Limited - Rural Development
- Dual System Apprenticeship Pilot Project - Port Elizabeth TVET College (NSF10/3/8/2/9)
- Rubicon Communication CC
- Centre for Education Policy Development (Fruitless & Wasteful Expenditure) - NSF 16/2/1/2 & NSF 10/4/4/3
- Emanzini Staffing Solutions (Pty) Limited (NSF16/1/4/55 and/or 2016-NSFWIL - 0174)
- ADA Holdings (NSF16/1/4/5, Ingewe TVET College - NSF/16/3/2/2 & Lusikisiki/ Bizana - NSF/16/1/2/3)
- Ekurhuleni West TVET College (NSF16/1/2/39)
- Passionate about People (Pty) Limited (NSF/16/1/3/12&16)
The SIU will also investigate any unauthorised, irregular, fruitless, or wasteful expenditure by the NSF or the Department of Higher Education and Training. This includes misconduct by suppliers and service providers between 1 January 2013 and 28 March 2025, as well as related matters before or after this period.
