MIL Africa Engine

Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has directed the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Board to activate its forensic unit immediately to work with the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) on cases already under investigation, and refer identified instances of fraud and misrepresentation to the appropriate authorities.

The Minister, together with Deputy Ministers Mimmy Gondwe and Nomusa Dube-Ncube, took decisive action, following a recent joint meeting with the NSFAS Board, its Acting Chief Executive Officer, and the Auditor-General of South Africa.

The engagement focused on the institution’s 2024/25 audit outcome and ongoing concerns around student service delivery. Following the meeting, the Minister issued a formal directive aimed at stabilising the embattled financial aid body and restoring accountability.

READ | NSFAS clarifies misleading social media claim of R630 000 student payment

NSFAS challenges

NSFAS received a disclaimer of opinion for the 2024/25 financial year — the most serious audit outcome an institution can receive. According to the Auditor-General, the institution is facing deepening breakdown in governance, financial controls and accountability systems. Nine material irregularities were identified, including four newly identified cases.

While the current administration maintains that these failures are the result of longstanding institutional weaknesses, it has committed to fixing them.

Particularly alarming are findings derived from data analytics. The audit revealed that 822 beneficiaries listed as deceased in the Department of Home Affairs database continued to receive funding. Over 14 000 students exceeded the income eligibility threshold yet were funded, while 321 students were found to be receiving both NSFAS bursaries and Social Relief of Distress (SRD) grants.

In addition, tens of thousands of students, who either held prior qualifications or failed to meet academic progression criteria, continued to benefit from funding.

Manamela said these discrepancies point to significant diversion of funds intended for poor and working-class students — whether system failures, misrepresentation or fraud.

“We are not in a position yet to determine the exact proportion attributable to each cause. What we can do is investigate, recover and prevent recurrence,” Manamela said.

To address these issues, the Minister has instructed NSFAS to immediately deploy its forensic unit and collaborate with the Special Investigating Unit. All identified cases of fraud and misrepresentation are to be referred for legal action.

Officials emphasised that legitimate beneficiaries have nothing to fear, as the investigations are targeted at those who have misrepresented their circumstances, and at the system failures that allowed incorrect payments to continue.

Outrage at student accommodation crisis

The Auditor-General’s report also highlighted accommodation conditions that are unsafe and undignified living conditions, including housing near taverns, lack of reliable transport, and harassment from landlords due to delayed payments by NSFAS. Students had their belongings confiscated.

“These are not audit findings. These are violations of the basic dignity of young people who came to study, not to survive a housing crisis created by the State’s own dysfunction,” Manamela said.

The Minister has ordered an urgent audit of all accredited accommodation providers, and to suspend any provider found in breach of contract standards.

The department is also working with NSFAS to finalise a revised student accommodation policy framework aimed at strengthening accreditation standards, enforcement mechanisms, and student recourse channels. This work is expected to be concluded before the end of April 2026.

Progress amid setbacks

Despite the grim audit outcome, some progress has been recorded. The current NSFAS administration has, for the first time in several years, cleared its backlog of financial submissions and is on track to meet reporting deadlines for the 2025/26 cycle.

Four of the existing material irregularities are reportedly at a stage where the Auditor-General is satisfied with management actions.

A Loan Management and Recovery Strategy has been approved, and the South African Revenue Service has committed to reinstate data-sharing with NSFAS, a move expected to significantly strengthen eligibility verification going forward.

The CEO appointment process is also underway, including a legal review of Board appointment, which is before the courts.

The meeting established a joint accountability framework between the Department of Higher Education and Training, NSFAS, and the Auditor-General. The Board is required to submit a comprehensive remedial report to the Minister and Director-General by 30 April 2026, detailing corrective actions, consequence management plans, and system upgrades.

Quarterly oversight meetings will follow, with progress reports presented to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Higher Education.

Focus on student experience

The Minister has also prioritised student concerns, particularly delays in appeals processing. Of the 7 805 outstanding appeals, 98.8% are attributed to system failures.

NSFAS has been instructed to implement a resolution plan within three weeks and ensure that appeals are finalised within 70 days.

Students living in unsafe and substandard housing have been assured that enforcement action will be taken against non-compliant accommodation providers.

“NSFAS is being directed to audit and enforce those contracts. Any provider who cannot meet the required standards will be removed from the accreditation list,” the Minister said.

A system under repair

Addressing nearly 800 000 students who rely on NSFAS, the Minister reaffirmed that legitimate funding will not be disrupted by ongoing investigations. Instead, the focus is on building a system that is accurate, efficient and fair.

“NSFAS is not beyond repair. It is an institution that carries a mandate of enormous national importance to ensure that poverty is not a barrier to education, and that South Africa can build the skilled, capable, and educated society that its people deserve. That mandate is worth fighting for.

“We are committed to NSFAS. We are committed to the students, and we are committed to building an institution that can be trusted,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za

39 views

The South African government will pursue its commitment to fiscal discipline and reform implementation as the upcoming South African Investment Conference (SAIC) provides a pivotal moment to translate recent economic gains into tangible investment outcomes.

This according President Cyril Ramaposa’s weekly newsletter, released ahead of the conference, to be held at the Sandton Convention Centre on Tuesday.

The gathering is South Africa’s premier and high-level platform to mobilise investment, showcase opportunities and to translate investments into tangible outcomes such as employment.

This year, more than 1 000 delegates will attend the SAIC, representing some 50 different countries.

“This year’s investment conference stands at the crossroads of opportunity and ambition. 

“The clear message we will be delivering is that we remain committed to staying the course on fiscal discipline, to accelerating the momentum of the reform agenda – and to leveraging investment to build an economy that is inclusive, transformed and that benefits all,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President laid out the case for South Africa as an investment destination of choice in the face of “increasingly volatile global financial conditions”.

“We are Africa’s largest economy with a diversified industrial base. Since we began our first R1.2 trillion investment mobilisation drive in 2018, we have secured investment pledges in mining, healthcare, automotive, food and beverage and others, reflecting the sophistication of our economy. 

“South Africa is also the leading destination for renewable energy investment on the continent, with these investments making up a considerable share of the total pledges made at previous conferences.

“We have a sound policy and regulatory environment, offering certainty to investors at a time when we are just one of many emerging markets across the globe vying for capital,” he said.

A growing economy

President Ramaphosa said that the 2026 SAIC, as well as those preceding it, is aimed at building “even greater confidence in our country as an investment destination” as well as demonstrating government’s commitment to reforms, policy certainty and execution.

He added that the “green shoots of economic recovery we are experiencing” further bolster South Africa’s position.

“The macroeconomic outlook has improved. We experienced four consecutive quarters of growth by the end of 2025, national debt has stabilised and more jobs are being created. Last year, our sovereign rating was upgraded for the first time in 17 years, and we were removed from the Financial Action Task Force grey list.

“The structural reform agenda being driven through Operation Vulindlela has unlocked progress in electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system. 

“We have brought load-shedding to an end and are creating a new, competitive electricity market that will ensure energy security and attract investment,” he highlighted.

The logistics sector is also undergoing modernisation and private investment in port and rail operations is also being enabled.

“Among the projects for which we have initiated a Private Sector Participation [PSP] process are the Ngqura Manganese Export Corridor in the Eastern Cape and the Richards Bay Dry Bulk Terminal in KwaZulu-Natal.

“Last year, we also signed a 25-year concession for the Durban Container Terminal Pier 2, representing R11 billion in private investment. A system for third-party access to the freight rail network is in place and 41 freight rail slots have been allocated to private companies,” President Ramaphosa said.

Additionally, reforms to the visa regime have also been implemented to attract skills and promote tourism.

“These include operationalising the Remote Work Visa, introducing a Trusted Employer Scheme to support major investors, and piloting an Electronic Travel Authorisation system.

“By showcasing the progress and durability of the reform agenda, our goal is to grow the pool of inward investment from businesses and countries that will ultimately be a bridge to new markets, technologies and networks for South Africa,” he said.

From pledges to projects

The first five-year investment mobilisation of the SAIC exceeded its target of R1.2 trillion in commitments – reaching some R1.57 trillion.

Some 300 projects were initiated and to date, 161 of these are now either finalised or still under construction.

“The pledges have not been merely vague commitments and promises, but have materialised as tangible, brick-and-mortar projects that are creating jobs for our people. 

“Last year, I opened the Platreef Mine in Mokopane in Limpopo, that is positioned to play a leading role in the production of sought-after critical minerals for the energy transition. This facility that employs more than 2 000 workers from the local community and is partly owned by a community trust, emanated from a R2,8 billion investment pledge by Ivanhoe Mines at the South Africa Investment Conference in 2022.

“Last year, I also visited the BMW plant in Rosslyn in Tshwane, where the automotive giant has invested R4,2 billion for electrification of its only plant on the continent that will be producing the BMW X3 Plug-in Hybrid electric vehicle. This was also an investment pledged at the SAIC,” President Ramaphosa highlighted.

As South Africa puts on the final preparatory touches ahead of the conference on Tuesday, the administration is placing its emphasis on execution over announcements.

“By showcasing our unique and favourable proposition as an investment destination of choice, we have set ourselves the goal of mobilising R2 trillion in new investments by 2028.

“As we strive to achieve growth that creates jobs for our people, this next phase will move from pledges towards implementation,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

0 views

Eskom’s efforts to eliminate load reduction are gathering pace with more than 210 000 customers no longer affected during peak periods.

Load reduction is implemented by the power utility to protect infrastructure from overloading and destruction where there are illegal connections.

As a result of the power utility’s interventions, including smart meter rollout, some 158 electricity feeders have been removed from load reduction.

“Although the power system remains stable and generation capacity continues to exceed demand, illegal connections and meter tampering persist, causing infrastructure damage and posing serious safety risks.

“In response, Eskom continues to implement load reduction as a temporary measure in high-risk areas to protect both communities and the electricity network.

“With the feeders removed from load reduction to date, an estimated 210 453 customers are now benefiting. The remaining customers still due for load reduction removal by financial year end are 199 187 in both Limpopo and Mpumalanga, 95 560 in Gauteng, 14 714 in both Eastern and Western Cape, 26 078 in the Free State and KwaZulu Natal, and 32 989 in the Northern Cape and North West provinces,” Eskom said recently.

READ | SA’s power grid continues to show stability

Overall, some 366 894 customers are still to be removed by the end of the financial year.

Smart meter rollout

Meanwhile, Eskom said more than half a million smart meters have been installed as part of upgrading the power utility’s infrastructure.

Just under 200 000 of these specifically targeted areas with load reduction feeders.

“This 40% allocation to high-priority areas is essential for managing grid pressure while empowering our customers with real-time data and greater control over their energy usage.

“Of the 199 521 smart meters installed on load reduction feeders, approximately 90% are concentrated in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal, where network risk is highest,” Eskom explained.

With 577 347 smart meters installed, the electricity provider has reached 35% of the total end state target.
However, challenges remain in some communities.

“The rollout is deliberately focused on high-loss areas affected by illegal connections, meter bypassing, overloaded infrastructure and widespread electricity theft. Eskom has undertaken extensive community and stakeholder engagement through ward councillors, public meetings, radio platforms and social media to support the implementation of the programme.

“Despite these efforts, installation teams continue to face persistent resistance, including intimidation, violent incidents and repeated work stoppages. These disruptions have led to deployment delays, the redeployment of teams, and heightened safety risks for Eskom employees and contractors.

“As a result, approximately 122 000 planned meter conversions have been delayed to date, undermining the stability and predictability of the rollout programme,” the power utility noted.

The electricity provider called on communities to report any criminal activity on electricity infrastructure.
“Eskom is harnessing technology, upgrading infrastructure, and partnering with communities to ensure a safer, smarter, and more reliable power network for South Africa.

“Eskom calls on communities to report illegal connections, use electricity responsibly, and protect infrastructure. Any illegal activity affecting Eskom’s infrastructure can be reported to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

 

98 views

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Bojanala District continues to record successes, following recent coordinated crime-fighting operations int the North West.

Conducted between 22 and 29 March, in Rustenburg, Koster, Boitekong, Phokeng, Tlhabane, Dwarsberg and the Swartruggens policing areas, the operations resulted in multiple arrests for serious and priority crimes.

Three people were arrested for murder, another for the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault (grievous bodily harm), while another was arrested for bribery. Thirteen others were arrested for sexual offences.

Police also recorded arrests for drug-related crimes (12), drunken driving (10), liquor-related offences (15), contravention of the Immigration Act (19), public drinking (28), public indecency (3), theft-related crimes (11) and trespassing (2) among others.

In addition, roadblock operations contributed to the overall success, with 371 vehicles stopped, three vehicles impounded and traffic fines to the value of R36 850 issued.

Acting Provincial Commissioner of the  North West Major General (Dr) Ryno Naidoo, commended the members for their dedication and commitment in removing criminals and enforcing the law.

“SAPS remains committed to intensifying operations to ensure safer communities across the province,” said the SAPS. 

The public is encouraged to report crime via the SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or the MySAPS App. – SAnews.gov.za

84 views

The South African Police Service (SAPS), working closely with Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), has arrested five South African female drug mules at OR Tambo International Airport with drugs worth more than R5 million concealed on their bodies.

According to the police, a preliminary report suggests that the suspects were en route to China via Dubai. They were arrested on Saturday.

“A search led to the discovery of drugs concealed inside their sneakers, underwear and private parts,” the police said in a statement.

The suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court on Tuesday on charges related to drug trafficking.

Investigations are ongoing. – SAnews.gov.za

86 views

South Africa is choosing momentum over hesitation. At a time when global markets are marked by volatility and investor caution, the country is pressing ahead with its sixth Investment Conference – a signal that it intends not to retreat, but to compete.

On Tuesday, 31 March 2026, President Cyril Ramaphosa will convene the latest gathering in Johannesburg, positioning South Africa not just as the southern gateway to the continent, but as a resilient, reforming economy – actively making its case for global capital.

While South Africa is by no means sheltered from the heightened volatility in global energy markets arising from the tensions in the Middle East, the ongoing tensions involving the Gaza Strip and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the conference is an important element on the South African calendar.

As more than 31 country representatives make their way to Mzansi for the conference, South Africa’s message to the world is clear: “South Africa is open for business and has entered a delivery-focused phase of economic reform.” 
 

And that is not just a tagline, because, since the last investment conference held in 2023, work has been ongoing to realise the investment pledges made during the course of the five editions of the conference. 

These pledges cut across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing and the automotive sector. Despite the two-year hiatus since the last conference was held, the spadework to bring the pledges into meaningful, real-life projects that advance the country’s development and improve citizens’ lives, has not stopped.

For example, mobility fintech company, Moove – which also operates in cities across Europe and India, amongst others, pledged R248 million of investment at the fifth conference held in April 2023. The funds were invested in the purchase of over 2 000 vehicles in Cape Town and Johannesburg. These vehicles were deployed to mobility entrepreneurs operating in these cities. 

Meanwhile, the 2022 edition of the gathering saw German automaker BMW pledge R800 million. Just last July, President Ramaphosa attended the launch of the automaker’s new X3 plug-in hybrid model at its Rosslyn plant in Gauteng. South Africa is the exclusive global production site for this model.  The last conference saw mobile communications company Vodacom pledge to invest in the global business services, ICT and digital services category. At the fifth conference, the company announced that it had pledged an additional R60 billion over the next five years. This came after it delivered on its promise to invest R50 billion over five years in 2018.

This time around, South Africa has set itself the target of raising R2 trillion in new investments over the next five years on the back of the R1.5 trillion raised over five years since the inaugural conference of 2018.
Despite the changing global landscape over the years, over R600 billion has flowed into projects, including new factories and mine facilities, that have been opened every year.

What this shows is that previous editions of the conference have not been once-off events but have produced concrete results as projects have been and continue to be followed through.

The hosting of the conference shows that the country is not tone-deaf to its own challenges and that investment by both domestic and international firms, plays an important role in addressing challenges that include poverty and unemployment.

While it is known that the country surpassed its initial R1.2 trillion investment target, South Africa has continued to put its house in order through reforms made possible by vehicles like Operation Vulindlela. Vulindlela is a joint initiative of the Presidency and National Treasury which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform. 

The country has also seen a 1.1% economic growth in 2025, following the recent release of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures, which showed a 0.4% expansion in the fourth quarter of 2025.

The fact that the country officially exited the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) greylist after successfully implementing key reforms to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in October 2025, also shows the progress the country is making.

Further progress was also evidenced in S&P Global Ratings’ (S&P) November 2025 move to bump up South Africa’s foreign currency long-term sovereign credit rating. At the time, National Treasury said the credit rating upgrade marked the first upgrade for South Africa by any of the major credit rating agencies in over 16 years. 

While the quest for investments is important for our prosperity, prosperity does not mean that South Africa is heading down a protectionist path of only looking out for itself.

Investment in South Africa does not only translate to rands and cents and infrastructure development among others, but also comes with skills transfer, jobs and new technologies among others.
Given the country’s strategic position on the continent, this will be helpful in advancing our contribution to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The free trade agreement seeks to bring together members of the African Union into a combined market. It establishes a framework for tariff liberalisation across the African continent and harmonises trade-related rules to encourage greater flows of intra-African trade and investment. 

The South African Investment Conference has proven itself not to be a vehicle of broken promises but has proven itself to be an instrument that has brought tangible investment to a country that is not without its challenges, but working towards a brighter future. –SAnews.gov.za

Neo Semono is a Features Editor at SAnews.gov.za 
 

 

58 views