Higher Education and training entities giving minister Blade Nzimande problems. Image: @DrBladeNzimande/Unisa/SSETA
UNISA, SSETA and NSFAS cause headache for Nzimande
Unisa, NSFAS and SSETA have all been embroiled in tender irregularities all right Minister Blade Nzimande’s nose
Higher Education and training entities giving minister Blade Nzimande problems. Image: @DrBladeNzimande/Unisa/SSETA
Blade Nzimande as Minister of Higher Education is faced with two cases of alleged financial mismanagement and tender irregularities from the University of South Africa(UNISA) and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority.
ADMINISTRATOR TO BE ASSIGNED TO UNISA
On Monday, Nzimande announced his plans to place Unisa under administration, confirming that he wrote to Unisa council chairperson over his intention to appoint an administrator.
ALSO READ: Higher Education Minister to place UNISA under administration
The decision follows a damning 300-page report by an independent assessor, Professor Themba Mosia and the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) on Unisa, chaired by Dr Vincent Maphai.
Findings of the report also painted Vice-Chancellor Puleng Lenkabula splurged more than R3 million on her residence’s upgrade, while only R1 million upgrade was approved.
Lenkabula also expanded her team which included a chef and a head of social media. The new team would cost the University approximately R14 million. Other staff members received salary increases and back pay dating back to 2007.
ALSO READ: Would placing UNISA under administration help the institution?
OUTA CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST NSFAS CEO
Meanwhile, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse(OUTA) has filed a criminal complaint against National Students Financial Aid Scheme CEO Andile Nongongo over tender irregularities while he was CEO of SSETA.
An investigation by OUTA revealed that Nongongo signed off on overinflated prices relating to rebranding marketing material costing taxpayers R37 million.
ALSO READ: FF Plus and Cope, calls for Nzimande to decisive action on Unisa
Some of the exorbitant prices include R 4600 a t-shirt, over R 44 000 for a branded umbrella and over R660 000 to print copies copies of SSETA Annual Performance Plan.
The tender was awarded to Five Stars Communication and Projects for the development and production of SSETA’s branding and marketing materials.
ALSO READ: NSFAS sets the record straight in hopes to soothe student unrest
OUTA has also placed a complaint with the the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants (SAICA).
“Nongogo should not be allowed to be involved with the financial management of any institution using taxpayers’ money,” says Rudie Heyneke from OUTA’s investigation department.
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