Minister Manamela welcomes SIU recovery of misused NSF funds

The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, has applauded the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for its decisive action in recovering R2.7 million misused in the Rubicon Communications skills development project.

Manamela said this outcome sends a strong message that public funds earmarked for skills development must be safeguarded and used solely to empower young people through education and opportunity.

He expressed grave concern over the finding that the funds were depleted before the training program even began, denying 100 learners access to vital skills. This failure, he noted, lies not only with the implementing agent but also raises broader issues of oversight, accountability, and internal controls within the National Skills Fund (NSF).

In response, Manamela has demanded a full report from the NSF on how the project was approved, disbursed, and monitored emphasizing the need for stronger controls and consequence management. He vowed that the department would work closely with the SIU and law enforcement to pursue every aspect of the case.

Manamela concluded that while the recovery of funds is a crucial step, it must be accompanied by thorough accountability. He reaffirmed that ongoing reforms to strengthen governance and ensure that every Rand spent in the post-school education system delivers real value to South Africans.