“The National Skills Fund will comply with our country’s laws,” says Masabain, “National Skills Fund, Higher Education and Training Department.
Higher Education and Training Minister Dr. Nobuhle Pamela Majkain has confirmed the introduction of a comprehensive investigation into the National Skills Fund (NSF).
It follows a President’s proclamation that authorizes the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) to investigate the cases of the unit.
According to the department’s statement on Tuesday, the investigation empowers SIU to look at the allegations of “severe malnutrition, improper or illegal conduct by officers or employees of NSF, and potential mismanagement of funds allocated to NSF.
Purchase under investigation
“Investigation will focus on procurement and contract for the appointment of implementation agents for skill development programs, training projects and proclamation projects.”
The announcement gives details of these projects, which completes the period from 1 January 2013 to 28 March 2025.
The department said, “This includes the operation of service providers, suppliers and other stakeholders.”
Nkabane confirmed that a meeting between SIU and NSF had already been held.
During this session, SIU formally served and required cooperation with a letter of intention to underline the scope of investigation to the NSF.
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‘We will comply fully’
“National Skills Fund, as a law to follow a law Department of higher education And training will follow the laws of our country, ”said Maskain.
He assured that NSF would provide SIU with all the necessary documents, including the previous internal investigation and conclusions of any relevant report.
“We will do this, not only because we are bound by law, but also because we believe that it will allow SIU to do its work easily,” he said.
NKABANE said that they believe the investigation “will set the NSF to a new trajectory as it reproduces itself as a catalyst change agent in our communities and the country”.
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Role in skill development confirmed
Despite the increasing investigation, the minister confirmed the NSF’s commitment to address the youth of South Africa and support the youth through targeted training initiatives.
“We are committed to unlock and unlock the ability of our country’s workforce by addressing the lack of important skills,” he said.
SIU investigation in NSF is included in the increasing list of public institutions under the alleged mismanagement and investigation for corruption, as the government enhances efforts to restore integrity and accountability in state institutions.
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